What actually happens at a registry office wedding?

Before the day, both of you must give notice in person at your local register office, usually where you have lived for at least the last seven days. You need to do this at least 28 full days before the ceremony, and the wedding must happen within 12 months of giving notice. On the day, you arrive at the register office or approved venue, and the registrar will welcome you and your guests. The ceremony is civil, so it cannot include hymns, prayers or religious readings. You can include poems, songs and non-religious readings if the registrar agrees. You will exchange vows and rings, and the registrar will ask you to confirm your consent to marry. After that, you and your two witnesses sign the marriage schedule or document, which is the legal record. The registrar will then hand you the certificate. Since 2021, there is no register book to sign; the schedule is signed on the day instead. The whole event is calm, formal and straightforward, and you can personalise the words and music within the legal limits.