Giving Notice marks the initial step and it is a requirement for everyone planning to marry, regardless of whether you opt for a Registrar or Celebrant Ceremony. It's an appointment which involves making a legal declaration at a register office, which each of you must complete individually and in person. The cost for a ‘Notice of Marriage’ appointment is £42 per person, and it must be carried out in the district where you currently live. This step is essential to proceed with your marriage and is separate from the actual legal statutory marriage itself.
Legal Statutory Marriage (often referred to as a '2 plus 2) Many couples affectionately refer to this as their “paperwork day” . It involves repeating a few declaratory & contracting words with a Registrar in a register office of your choice, which costs just £56* (plus £12.50 for a legal marriage certificate) and signing a marriage schedule along with two witnesses on any date before/after your Celebrant ceremony. This is held within a simple office environment, rather than a ceremony room, so there's no need to exchange rings or dress up for this (save this for your special ceremony day!). It's also important to note that the legal paperwork doesn't have to be undertaken on the same day as your wedding ceremony. Just as a child's birth is legally registered on a different day to the date they were born.
When you separate the legal aspect from the celebratory aspect, you’re free to have your ceremony without any restrictions and there are several benefits:
Once the legalities have been completed, you can relax and focus on your big day - wherever you decide to celebrate with all your family and friends!
Reduces stress on your ceremony day
Flexibility on ceremony timing and location (including a licensed wedding venues)
Complete bespoke content including any symbolic/cultural elements you desire
Relaxed about timing changes/delays
Focus entirely on the romance of your day
You'd celebrate your wedding anniversary in future years on the date of your Celebrant ceremony – the day you celebrate with all your family and friends will be the most memorable day! This date will be printed on your ceremony certificate presented in your colour co-ordinated keepsake box.