What is the order of a civil ceremony in the UK?

Civil ceremonies are held at a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriages. Since 2021, marriages are recorded in a marriage schedule or document that is signed on the day, not in a register book. You need two witnesses at the ceremony, and both partners must have given notice at least 28 full days before the ceremony.

The registrar opens the ceremony and asks the legal declarations, where each of you says you accept the other as your spouse. You then exchange vows, which can be traditional or personal. Rings are exchanged next, followed by the pronouncement that you are married. Finally, you, your partner and your two witnesses sign the marriage schedule. The registrar and an usher or parent may also sign.

Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings. Poems, songs and non-religious readings are fine if the registrar agrees. Since 2022 approved venues can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds. If you want something outside these rules, ask your register office or check GOV.UK.