To ensure your special day runs smoothly, we have a few
recommendations.
Couples with two witnesses (who must be able to speak and
understand English) and guests are asked to arrive at the Register
Office at least 10 minutes before the time of the marriage ceremony
(this will differ for marriages at approved premises).
Upon arrival, the bride and groom will be met by the Registrar who
will check with them the correctness of the details which need to
be entered in the marriage register. The information required will
include the full names and occupations of the natural or legally
adopted fathers of both the bride and groom.
Entering the room
If the bride wishes to
enter the marriage room accompanied by her father or other
relative/friend, it may be possible to interview the couple
separately.
In such a case, this should be requested before the wedding day and
arrival/interview times will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Otherwise the bride and groom enter the marriage room together to
join their guests for the ceremony.
The Superintendent Registrar, having welcomed all present and
explained what is about to take place, will ask the bride and
groom, in turn, to make their marriage vows to each other.
The vows
There is now a choice of civil vows
from which couples are asked to state their preference before the
day of marriage.
It may also be possible for the couple to add their own personal
vows or commitments to each other, and include music, poetry and
prose readings. This must be discussed and agreed with the
Superintendent Registrar before the day of the ceremony, and may
not be of a religious nature.
A ring may be given at an appropriate point in the ceremony if
desired.
Witnesses
Two credible witnesses, who should speak and understand English and
be able to understand the nature of the ceremony, must be present
throughout the ceremony. They will also be required to sign the
marriage register.
We will do our best to help make your ceremony special and as
personal to you as possible.
More
help
For further information please contact us on 020 8430 3617 or email
us - see
Get in Touch for
contact details and opening times. |