What is the order of a wedding ceremony?

Ceremonies vary by faith, venue and personal choice, but most follow a similar shape. Guests arrive and are seated first. Then the wedding party walks in, usually starting with the officiant, followed by the couple. You will exchange vows and rings, and then sign the marriage schedule or document. Finally you walk back down the aisle as a married couple.

Religious ceremonies often include hymns, prayers and readings. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns or prayers, but poems, songs and non-religious readings are fine if the registrar agrees. Humanist ceremonies in Scotland and Northern Ireland can be fully personalised, while in England and Wales you usually need a separate civil ceremony for legal recognition.

Your celebrant or registrar will give you a printed order of service. Review it together and agree on who speaks and when. Keep it simple if you are nervous, and remember that small changes are always allowed.