Emma's answers to Can a friend do our vows?

Question

I was wondering if you could get a friend to do your vows for you? We are thinking of getting married outside somewhere, preferably in Dorset in the grounds of a castle.

Answer

I'm afraid the type of wedding you suggest wouldn't be legal in this country on several counts.

First of all, in England and Wales it isn't possible to get married by civil ceremony outside. Secondly, only a registrar may perform a legally binding civil marriage ceremony. If you were thinking of a religious ceremony, a Church of England wedding may only be solemnised inside a building which is licensed for the purpose (which effectively means inside a church, a licensed chapel, or a parish centre of worship). And, it may only be taken by an ordained minister of the Church of England.

If your friend wishes to become a registrar, you should contact the The General Register Office, for details on how to become a registrar. Visit their website www.gro.gov.uk for more information.

Emma x