What wedding? It might seem an obvious non-issue for some, but nowadays, there are so many different types of ceremony that it's vital you consider it on more than a cursory level and pick the one that's right for you.
GRW Photography
Whether you're thinking religious, same sex or something altogether alternative to the traditional, there's an array of options to suit every individual coupling.
We've taken a closer look at the rules in England to help you decide...
RELIGIOUS MARRIAGE CEREMONY
What? A religious and legally binding ceremony of marriage.
Where? A church, chapel or other religious building that is registered for the solemnisation of marriage.
Depending on your faith and specific church (e.g. Anglican, Catholic etc), there are various pre-requisites, regulations and procedures involved - so contact your relevant local official for specific details.
Since the implementation of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, same sex marriage ceremonies may take place in certain religious premises, depending on the position of the religious organisation involved, and whether the premises has been registered for the marriage of same sex couples. Again, contact your local official for information.
Once you opt for a religious ceremony, the decisions required usually concern music, hymns and readings. As a legal ceremony, much of the wording is set down by law and must be adhered to; for instance, you cannot write your own vows.
GRW Photography
CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY
What? A legal, non-religious marriage ceremony conducted by the local superintendent registrar.
Where? In a registration office or an approved venue licensed by the local authority, either within or outside your district of residence. Current legislation dictates that a civil ceremony cannot take place in the open air.
After giving notice of marriage at your local register office by completing a series of official forms and presenting various accepted forms of identification and documentation, at least 15 days must pass before the marriage can take place.
A civil ceremony must not contain any religious content, but it may include poems, readings and music without a religious theme. In addition to the statutory and legally binding words, you may exchange your own vows.
Kirstin Prisk
CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
What? A non-religious legal partnership for same sex couples. It can be accompanied by a ceremony, but it is not required under the Civil Partnership Act.
Where? The signing of the civil partnership document may take place at a registration office or an approved venue.
Firstly, both partners must give notice of their intention to register their partnership at the register office in the local authority area where they reside, in which they must have lived for seven days prior to this.
You may exchange established or self-penned vows, although there is no legal requirement. You may also have non-religious readings and music.
Kirstin Prisk
HUMANIST WEDDING AND PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATION
What? A ceremony to celebrate the commitment between two people. At present, humanist ceremonies are legally recognised in Scotland but not the rest of the UK.
Where? Anywhere. It can occur outside, in public places or even in your own home. Many hotels and venues will also host the ceremony.
No licence is required but there is a fee. Contact a British Humanist Association accredited celebrant in your area.
The ceremony can take whatever form the couple chooses. A script is drafted based on a consultation between the celebrant and the couple. Arrangements are finalised - including poetry, readings and music - which can follow the traditional elements of a wedding, such as the vows and exchange of rings, or can be as informal as desired.
Alan Law
PAGAN HANDFASTING
What? A marriage ritual based on Celtic traditions (neo-Pagan, Norse, Druidry and Wicca). It usually takes place after a civil ceremony or partnership. It is legally recognised in Scotland but not the rest of the UK.
Where? Usually outdoors in a natural setting that has been made sacred and blessed by words and decorated by flowers, candles and incense and other objects.
Presided over by a priest and priestess (celebrants), the couple are invited into the sacred circle to exchange their vows. Whispering promises, their wrists are gently bound together with red cord (the tying of the knot). Rings and further words are exchanged before the jumping of the broom.
The couple may choose to incorporate music, readings, chanting and dancing. A range of ceremony types is possible, such as 'A Year and a Day', 'As Long As Love Lasts' and 'For All Lifetimes To Come'. Same-Sex ceremonies, renewal of vows and blessings are also undertaken.
Khalile Siddiqui
WEDDING BLESSING
What? A short ceremony, often taking place after the official civil ceremony. It is not legally binding. It can be spiritual, religious or non-religious, in a different tradition to that of the marriage ceremony.
Where? Anywhere, from outside to a church/religious building or venue.
Talk to a recognised official of the church or tradition you favour, or a registrar if you'd like it to feature as part of your register office wedding.
Decide what you would like to happen and have included. The bride is not escorted down the aisle but enters with the groom, together as husband and wife. It usually involves a reading, song or hymn and prayer, and has potential for personalising with music and your own words.
Maxi Photography
A CEREMONY TO REMEMBER
The Guild of Cornish Celebrants offer couples the opportunity to have the ceremony they desire - wherever and whenever you wish. Although the Guild is a new business, the duo behind the venture, Nicola Le Couteur Bisson and Denise Whitehair, have over 25 years of experience between them in delivering all types of ceremonies through their work with the Registration Service.
As a result, they are perfectly positioned to advise couples of the legalities required to have a legal statutory ceremony followed by a bespoke, personalised ceremony at a location of their choice along a continental model.
It might be your favourite beach at sunset, Bodmin moor in the moonlight, a cosy ceremony in your garden or even a gathering on a boat or steam train - once the legal ceremony has taken place, the sky's the limit where it comes to choosing the backdrop and timing of this life-changing moment.
The content of the ceremonies will also fully reflect each individual couple's wishes and beliefs, incorporating spiritual or religious music and prose, together with rituals such as handfasting.
Get in touch to discover how The Guild of Cornish Celebrants will help you to deliver a distinctive, unique and truly memorable day, your way.
www.cornishcelebrants.co.uk
Ross Talling
MAKE CEREMONY MAGIC
Get on the fast track to an oh-so personal ceremony...
Starry-eyed ceremonies. Thanks to legislation passed in 2012, it is now possible to marry at any of time of the day or night. Just imagine the dreaminess of taking your vows at dusk or twilight!
Symbolic gestures and rituals. From penning your own vows, poetry or readings to lighting a unity candle and symbolic sand ceremonies, lend more meaning by incorporating or extending your day's message. Plant a tree, release butterflies or birds, host a handfasting, salt covenant or even foot-washing ceremony.
Bold backdrops. Make a statement with a single standout wall that introduces the design of your day. Whether it's a balloon fest, origami extravaganza, photo board, movie screen, mosaics or giant canvas, attention-grabbing wall art is extremely à la mode. "Ribbon, pavilion and blackboard backdrops are all easy to achieve and very effective," says wedding stylist Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire (inspire-hire.co.uk). "A stunning ceremony backdrop can also be used as a backdrop for photos later on. Lanterns or flowers can be designed so they are easy for a nominated guest to move to your reception."
Nova Wedding Photography
Alternative altars. Planning an outdoor wedding? Construct a custom-made altar from branches, an old gate or vintage crates topped or woven with flowers. You might even adorn your altar with items that echo something about your personalities or shared interests.
Themed weddings. Whatever your inspiration, carry it in every detail, including your ceremonial space. For example, if you're going for a nature-inspired and rustic vibe, bring the barn inside via hay bales and mini trees. For a fun festival feel or circus theme, hang pi�atas, bunting or retro signs over bright box-plant pots, stripy drapes and a table of tarot card-style orders of service.
The First Glance. Now growing in popularity on this side of the Atlantic, the 'First Glance' is a special and memorable moment, when the couple see each other in private just before the ceremony takes place. Emma, who married her husband Mike in the summer, counts their 'First Glace' as her favourite moment of the day. "Nobody else could see us; we were in our own little bubble for a few minutes before the whirlwind of a day happened!" she comments. "I love to think back to it now. It's a moment we will remember forever!"
Barney Walters
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
