Can you have a civil ceremony in a church?

In England and Wales, a civil ceremony is a non-religious legal wedding. It cannot include hymns, prayers or religious readings. The law says civil ceremonies must happen at a register office, an approved venue, or a building registered for marriages. A church, chapel or other place of worship is not an approved venue for a civil ceremony, even if the building is not currently used for worship.

If you want a church wedding, you would normally have a religious ceremony. For the Church of England or Church in Wales, you usually need banns read or a licence. Other religious buildings must be registered for marriages and have an authorised person present for the wedding to be legal.

If you love a church building but want a non-religious ceremony, that is not possible under current rules. Some couples choose a civil ceremony at a register office or approved venue, and then hold a separate blessing or celebration in a church. That blessing would not be legally binding, so check with the church and your registrar about what is allowed.

The rules can vary depending on where you live and the type of building. For the most current position, check GOV.UK or speak to the register office or the church directly. They will tell you what is possible for your situation.