Today Bristol Wedding Planner Steph Allison from How 2 I Do Wedding and Event Planning talks us through the sometimes confusing task of organising a Civil Ceremony .
Many private wedding venues now hold licences for Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships such as hotels, country houses, barns and even ships such as the SS Great Britain. Ceremony dates can be provisionally booked more than 12 months in advance and you can officially give notice from 12 months prior to your ceremony.
Giving notice involves you and your partner attending the Register Office, talking to a Registrar and paying a fee.Your venue should be able to advise you which Registrar to contact to book your ceremony and you will also need to give notice at your local Register Office which may be on Corn Street, in Yate, Bath or elsewhere, depending on where you live.
Here's a summary of the main points as a handy guide,
• You must both give notice in person at the register office where you have lived for the previous 7 days (£67.00 per couple)
• Notice of your ceremony will be posted for 15 days
• 16 days later an authority is granted and sent to the Registrar performing the ceremony
• The ceremony must take place within 12 months of giving notice
• Documents required are: Passport (or birth certificate and driving licence) council tax bill or proof of address plus decree absolute or Death certificate if divorced or widowed
• You may be interviewed privately and you will be asked personal questions about your partner
• The Register Office Ceremony Fee is £43.50
• The Licensed Venue Fee is £310 (Sunday £370.00)
• 2 witnesses are required to sign the register
• Readings and music can be added but must not have religious content (the Registrar will need to meet with you to approve them and your vows)
• If you or your partner are subject to immigration control, you must contact the Council for further guidance.
For more information visit the Bristol City Council Website here
