What are some wedding ceremony traditions?

The heart of any UK ceremony is the legal exchange of vows and rings. You will need two witnesses to sign the marriage schedule or document after the ceremony. In a church or religious building, you might include banns, a licence, hymns, prayers, and readings chosen by you or your guests. In a civil ceremony at a register office or approved venue, the registrar will guide you through the legal words, and you can add poems, songs, and non-religious readings if the registrar agrees. Since 2021, you sign a marriage schedule or document on the day, not a register book. Other common traditions include the bride walking down the aisle, the giving away by a parent, and the first kiss as a married couple. Some couples include a unity candle, a sand ceremony, or a handfasting, but check with your venue or officiant first, as rules vary. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and humanist celebrants can conduct legal weddings. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings are also legal. For religious ceremonies, always ask your place of worship about their specific traditions and legal requirements. If you want a religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, such as a nikah, you may need a separate civil ceremony. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.