Civil marriage ceremony

Before the ceremony can begin, the details you have provided when giving Notice must be checked; the bride and groom are interviewed separately in a private area of the venue.

The Registration Officer will welcome everyone to the ceremony and give a brief introduction before asking the bride and groom to make the following solemn declarations:

Declaratory words (choose any 1 of the 3)

"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, ... may not be joined in matrimony to ... "

"I declare/ that I know of no legal reason why I, ... may not be joined in marriage/ to ..."

by replying "I am" to the question "Are you, ..., free lawfully to marry ..."

Contracting words (choose any 1 of the 3)

"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, ... do take thee, ... to be my lawful wedded wife/husband"

"I, ... take you, ... to be my wedded wife/husband"

"I, ... take thee, ... to be my wedded wife/husband"

After any personal declarations or readings have been made, the Registration Officer will add the concluding words, pronounce you husband and wife and then hand over to the Registrar of Marriages.

You will both be asked to check the entry in the register very carefully as any errors may be difficult to correct later on, and you will then be invited to sign the entry, followed by your witnesses. Please note that the bride signs in the name in which she contracted her marriage.

If an interpreter was used during the ceremony, he or she will sign as a witness to the marriage.

Finally, you will be presented with your marriage certificate and there will be ample opportunity for your guests to take photographs. We ask that guests refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony itself, as this can be very distracting for all concerned.