Civil weddings Q&A

We answer the important questions about tying the knot in a civil wedding ceremony

Q: How much will a civil wedding cost?

A: This varies from venue to venue, so it's best to get a few quotes from the type of venue you want before you set your budget -- check out our venues supplier directory for more information.

Q: Can I incorporate traditional wedding etiquette, such as having bridesmaids, into a civil ceremony?

A: Of course! Many couples who opt to marry in a licensed venue adopt traditional church etiquette, for example, by having bridesmaids and a best man. You can also set up an 'aisle' at your venue, to allow you to be 'given away' in front of all your guests. The only real rule is that nothing with religious connotations can be incorporated.

Q: I’d like a church blessing after our civil ceremony, is this allowed?

A: This is exactly what the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall did when they married. You can have a service of prayer and dedication after a civil ceremony, which largely follows the same pattern as a church wedding, though with a few differences:

• banns are not called
• there is no entry in the church's marriage register
• the husband and wife enter together and sit at the front of the church together
• rings are not exchanged
• This is useful in cases where one or both of you is divorced and may not be legally able to marry in your church of choice.

  Q: Is a civil ceremony held abroad recognized as legally binding here in the UK?

  A: Getting married overseas is becoming increasingly popular, as many couples are keen to escape to warmer weather or hold a more intimate wedding without family and friends. There are plenty of options here, ranging from a drive-in wedding in Vegas to a beachside Caribbean ceremony, but you still need to make sure the ceremony will be legally binding by checking the marriage will be carried out in accordance with local laws. It's best to book through a reputable tour operator who will do most of the paperwork for you, but always check with the tourist board of your chosen country that everything's fully legal and that you know exactly which documents you need to take with you to complete your dream civil ceremony. Check out our guide to getting married abroad or visit your local travel agent to find out more.

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