A Guide to a Beautiful Civil Wedding Ceremony
A civil wedding ceremony will allow you to get married here legally at Waterside Country Barn. Can you picture yourself hand in hand with your partner, declaring your love to one another in front of our stunning lake? If so, a civil wedding may be the perfect option for you. The idea of organizing a civil ceremony can be daunting, but it’s a lot simpler than you think! We are here to help.
Why choose a Civil Wedding Ceremony?
There is a common misconception that civil weddings lack character. However, this is not true! A civil wedding offers couples the flexibility to personalize their special day, whilst also tying the knot legally. The ceremony is officiated by a local registrar, who will ensure the marriage is legally binding and work with you to create a ceremony that is personal to you.
The Planning Process:
Now that you have chosen our stunning barn to be the backdrop of your special moment, it’s time to get planning your ceremony. Your ideal ceremony may involve a traditional celebration or a quirky themed extravaganza. It is important to think about how you want your ceremony to reflect your relationship, choosing elements that resonate with your personalities. Remember, this is your day and the choice is yours!
What are my options?
The Somerset Wedding Registration Service provides two options of ceremony packages for you to choose from: the classic ceremony or enhanced ceremony. Have a look at their website for the total cost of the ceremonies.
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The Classic Ceremony
The classic ceremony will last between 20 to 25 minutes. Alongside the legal obligations couples can include music at various stages of the ceremony, optional giving away element, optional ring vows, and one reading of their choice. This ceremony is perfect for couples who don’t want a lot of extras in their ceremony but still want something special for their family and friends to witness.
The Enhanced Ceremony
In comparison, the enhanced ceremony lasts between 25 to 30 minutes. This package includes music, optional giving away element, optional ring vows or personal vows, up to three readings or two readings and one of the unity ceremony options. The four choices are a sand ceremony, a hand joining ceremony, a knot tying ceremony or a memory box ceremony. This package is perfect for couples looking for something more unique that they can put their personal stamp on. It’s just an additional £75 for this package.
Do you need to book your registrar before the venue?
Once you have booked our venue and secured your date, it is time to contact the Somerset Wedding Registration Service. We would advise you to do this quite quickly, so that you can get more choice when deciding a time for your ceremony to take place.
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Who can be a witness?
You will need 2 witnesses to sign the marriage or partnership schedule. They might be your close friends or family members.
Are photos and videos of the ceremony allowed?
Absolutely! This is your special day and the registrars will be happy for you to be able to capture it. You may consider asking guests to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony, so that they can relax and enjoy the proceedings, without getting in the way of the photographer.
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What is involved in giving notice?
You will need to give notice of your intended marriage at your local registry office. Giving notice is the legal declaration that you intend to marry or form a partnership. You will have a private appointment with a Registration Officer, where you’ll give details of your ceremony and information about yourself. This needs to be done at least 28 days before your wedding day. To find out more information and to book your appointment, visit the Somerset Wedding Registration Service website.
With its flexibility and focus on the essential bond between partners, a civil wedding offers a unique and memorable celebration of love. We can’t wait to work with you to create your perfect day. As you embark on this journey, remember that the beauty of the ceremony lies in the authenticity of your connection and the joyous moments you create together.