What happens first at a wedding?

The wedding day usually begins with guests arriving at the venue and being seated. The couple, or their wedding party, then arrive. In a traditional format, one partner arrives first and waits, and the other arrives with family or attendants. But there is no rule, many couples arrive together or walk in side by side. What matters is that the legal ceremony happens first, because that is what makes you married.

In England and Wales, the ceremony takes place at a register office, an approved venue, or a registered religious building. You will exchange vows and sign the marriage schedule or document, with two witnesses. In Scotland, the ceremony can be almost anywhere, and you need two witnesses aged 16 or over. In Northern Ireland, you give notice 28 days ahead, and humanist ceremonies are legal there. For Church of England or Church in Wales weddings, banns or a licence are usually needed.

After the ceremony, the rest of the day follows: drinks, photos, the meal, speeches, cake and dancing. If you are having a religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, such as a nikah in England and Wales, you may also have a short civil ceremony to make the marriage legal. Check with your venue, registrar or place of worship for what applies to you.