WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR CEREMONY

 

Arrival

To ensure everything runs smoothly, you must arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. This allows sufficient time for the legally required pre-ceremony interview.

 

Pre-Ceremony Interviews

Before the ceremony begins, the registrars will meet with you in a private room for a legally required pre-ceremony interview. During this interview:

• We'll confirm that the details provided at the time of notice are accurate and up to date for the legal paperwork.
• We’ll review your completed questionnaire to ensure your choices and preferences for the ceremony are in place.

You do not need to bring any documents with you to this interview – unless you have officially changed your name after giving notice but before getting married.

 

Your Entrance

To make your ceremony uniquely yours, you may choose to have separate entrances where each of you enters the ceremony room at different times. Let us know your preferences when completing your questionnaire.

 

Your Ceremony

Our Registrar will guide you seamlessly through the ceremony, ensuring you are comfortable every step of the way.

The ceremony, including special words or readings, must be conducted in English.

 

Witnesses

You’ll need two credible witnesses to attend your ceremony. Witnesses must:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Speak and understand English.

 

Rings

Exchanging rings is a traditional element of the ceremony, but it is not legally required.

 

Personal Words

Many couples choose to exchange personally written words during their ceremony, this is optional. Send us your special words so we can ensure they comply with legal requirements and avoid religious connotations.

 

Readings and Music

You are welcome to include short readings or music to add a personal touch to your ceremony:

• The readings and music must not contain any religious connections or connotations.
• Send us the reading text and/or playlist so that we can ensure they comply with legal requirements and avoid religious connotations.

 

Parking

• Fellowship Square does not provide parking for wedding guests.
• One space is reserved for the bridal party.
• We encourage the use of public transport.

 

How Long Will the Ceremony Last?

Ceremonies typically last 20 to 30 minutes. You should allow half an hour beforehand for arrival and interviews, and then 15 minutes afterwards for photos.

 

Photography

• Photography is allowed inside and outside the Town Hall.
• The building and square offer photogenic settings.
• During the week, Fellowship Square operates as a working building, so access to certain common areas for photography may be restricted. However, you are welcome to make full use of the stunning outdoor spaces, including the picturesque arch, for your photos.

 

Order of Service

This is the order of your ceremony. The optional sections can be personalised:

1. Entrance(s) (music optional).
2. Welcome and Introduction.
3. Declarations – Confirming you are free to marry each other (for weddings).
4. Readings/Poems/Tributes (optional).
5. Exchange of Contracting Words – The legal words that marry you.
6. Exchange of Declarations (for civil partnerships).
7. Exchange of Rings and/or Personal Words (optional).
8. Signing of the Schedule (music optional).
9. Conclusion.

 

Certificates

Your legal Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate will be posted to you within 7 working days after the ceremony, if you have pre-ordered this. Certificates are not issued on the day of the ceremony.

Order additional copies of certificates.

If you’ve ordered a commemorative certificate, this will be presented to you during your ceremony. The commemorative certificate is not a legal document. It’s a keepsake to remember your special day.