Civil marriages

Since the 1994 Marriage Act, couples have had much more choice about their civil marriage ceremony. A civil marriage may take place at any Register Office in England or Wales or any venue licensed by the local authority for civil marriage.

People attending civil weddings in Plymouth today are usually pleasantly surprised as the old days of a brief perfunctory occasion have gone. Our registrars are not simply recorders of the important life events, they are friendly and professional people with a wealth of experience who are here to help you plan and create your own special ceremony.

You may wish to follow a traditional format for your ceremony. A best man may accompany the groom and hold the rings to brought forward at the appropriate moment. Her father or special friend may accompany the bride. The bridal procession may also include bridesmaids or flower girls. A best man and maid of honour are often invited by the bride and groom to be the witnesses to their marriage.

A less formal occasion may include the bride and groom entering the ceremony room together and inviting their guests to join them. The law does not require you to exchange rings but you may wish to include a few personal promises.

For those who just wish to form a legal marriage contract; an exchange of statutory words before two witnesses, a Superintendent Registrar and Registrar, followed by signing the register in an office of the Superintendent Registrar may be everything you need.

In addition to the legal declaration and contract of marriage, Plymouth Registration Service provides choices of additional promises to incorporate into your ceremony and enhancements such as poetry or readings which may be read by one of your guests. A musical introduction may set the scene and provide a triumphant finale.