Plymouth Register Office has a range of ceremony options designed to suit every venue and style. Plymouth Registration Service is proud to offer a variety of marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
From a basic legal requirement option, to our supreme ceremony designed to be individualised by adding promises, readings and poetry to your script, we are sure to accommodate the needs of your special day.
The following ceremonies are available at Plymouth Register Office or an approved venue.
Basic Ceremony
Includes:
- The superintendent registrar making preliminary announcements
- The declaration and marriage contract/civil partnership statement of intention being read out in the presence of two witnesses plus the superintendent registrar and the registrar
- The exchanging of rings and the option to make a promise
- The superintendent registrar announcing you are married/ now civil partners
- The signing of the legal documentation
Enhanced Ceremony
Includes:
- The superintendent registrar making preliminary announcements and a few words about marriage
- The declaration and marriage contract/civil partnership statement of intention being read out loud in the presence of two witnesses plus the superintendent registrar and the registrar
- The opportunity for a guest to present a reading or poetry
- The exchanging of rings and the option to make a promise
- The superintendent registrar saying a few closing words and announcing you are married/ now civil partners
- The signing of the legal documentation
- Photo opportunities in the ceremony room and register office gardens
Supreme Ceremony
Includes:
- The superintendent registrar making preliminary announcements and a few words about marriage
- The option to say 'I do'
- The declaration and marriage contract/civil partnership statement of intention being read out loud in the presence of two witnesses plus the superintendent registrar and the registrar
- The opportunity to read your own promises or to choose from a selection provided
- The opportunity for a guest to present a reading or poetry
- The exchanging of rings and the option to make a pledge
- The second opportunity for a guest to present a reading or poetry
- The announcement of the marriage/ civil partnership
- The signing of the legal documentation
How to book
To book a ceremony please email us at srenquiries@plymouth.gov.uk. We can take bookings up to two years in advance of your ceremony date.
Religious ceremonies
Church of England/ Wales
You can only get married in a church if you or your partner live in the parish. You will need to speak to the vicar and if they agree to marry you, they'll arrange for banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common licence to be issued. You don't need to involve the superintendent registrar.
Religious buildings
In order to book a ceremony, you will need to speak to the person in charge of the building. To marry in a church or other religious building, you must have a qualifying connection to the premises, you must either live in the district in which the building is situated, or the it must be the usual place of worship for either you, your partner or you both. You will need to give notice to the superintendent registrar and may need to book a registrar. There are some venues who are already licenced for registrations to take place without a Registrar attending, please speak to the premises, or call 01752 268331 to speak to the ceremony team for more advice.
Getting married abroad
Couples who choose to marry abroad may need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment by giving notice, by appointment, at a Registration Office. Marriage laws vary in different countries and it is the responsibility of the couple to ensure they have the relevant documentation required by their chosen country.
For advice on marriages or civil partnerships abroad visit the GOV.UK website.