The ceremony
There are two types of ceremonies available:
- Standard Ceremony (only the 2 witnesses can attend and it doesn’t include readings or music)
- Enhanced Ceremony in the Pankhurst Suite, or at an approved premises (this option gives you the chance to design the ceremony yourselves; it can include music and readings)
See fees for different types of ceremonies
How long will the ceremony take
Timings of the enhanced ceremony will depend on the choices you make and any music or readings you include.
What will happen on the day
Download our guides for a standard ceremony, an enhanced ceremony in the Pankhurst Suite or for a ceremony at an approved venue.
Ceremony times at licensed venues
For ceremonies at approved premises, ceremonies are at set times:
- Monday to Friday: 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 7pm
- Saturday: 11am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 4pm, 4.30pm, 6pm.
- Sunday and Bank Holidays: 11am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 4pm and 4.30pm
Designing your ceremony
If you choose to have an enhanced ceremony, you will have some choice about the content.
Before the ceremony begins a Registrar will check that the details given at the time of notice are still correct, as this information will be recorded in the schedule and on your marriage or civil partnership certificate. You have the option of doing this together or separately.
The Superintendent registrar (marriages) or the Celebrant (civil partnerships) will begin by welcoming you and your guests before the marriage or partnership ceremony introduction.
If you have chosen the Standard option, the rest of the ceremony will take place with no readings or music.
If you have chosen the Enhanced Ceremony in the Pankhurst Suite or at an approved premises, you can make some choices about the content of the ceremony, using either our online planner (we’ll give you a username and password at the time of booking), or a booklet, which includes a checklist to complete and return. If you choose to include any readings, they must be submitted to the Ceremonies Section at least one month beforehand so that we can check its suitability (e.g. no religious content).
If your ceremony is in the Pankhurst Suite you can have music for your entrance and during the signing of the schedule; we have a speaker available for Bluetooth enabled devices. The music cannot be religious in nature.
At approved premises you will need to liaise with the management about the availability and facilities for music.