Emma's answers to Outdoor weddings

Question

My partner and I would really like to get married in my Grandma's garden/field which has exceptional views and is a place I have grown up. Is there any way this is possible without having a register office ceremony first?

Answer

Thanks for your email and congratulations on your engagement! While you can arrange to have a ceremony in your back garden, this would be seen as a humanist wedding, and would therefore not be recognised as legally binding, unless you live in Scotland where both outside weddings and humanist weddings are legally recognised. You would need to also have a civil ceremony at a register office or a religious ceremony at a church as well, either before or after.

Alternatively, there are now a number of places, including some hotels, castles and stately homes, in which you can hold a legally recognised outdoor ceremony, though you would need to check that they do have a civil wedding license for you to be able to marry there.

You can read all about the different types of weddings at http://www.confetti.co.uk/weddings/advice_ideas/ceremony/

Hope that helps

Emma x