What is a civil ceremony and can it include religious elements?

A civil ceremony is a legal wedding that takes place at a register office, an approved venue, or a registered religious building. It is led by a registrar or another authorised person, and it is the part of the day that makes your marriage legal in England and Wales.

In England and Wales, civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings. You can still have poems, songs and non-religious readings if the registrar agrees. Since 2022, approved venues may also hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds.

If you want a religious ceremony too, remember that a religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding if it happens in a building registered for marriages with an authorised person present. Many couples in mixed-faith families choose a short civil ceremony first, then a blessing or religious service that welcomes both families. Humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own in England and Wales, so couples usually add a civil ceremony. Check GOV.UK for the current position.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. In Scotland, religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings almost anywhere agreed with the registrar. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings can be legally binding. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK, your local register office or your place of worship before you decide.