Ceremony Query

It's not unusual. The last wedding I went to was in some Abbey ruins that wasn't licensed. They had got married on the wed before then done the whole big dress, rings etc on the Saturday.

TBH it didn't feel that much different from a standard civil ceremony, the only differences were that they could say whatever they wanted and have any music and readings they wanted and they didn't sign the register.

It is becoming more common now, as it gives couples complete freedom on where, who and how they get married. There are many celebrants out there (even a friend can do it). To me, getting wed is not just about the legalities, but about the promises you make to each other, and your declaration of love etc. As long as you save everything from ceremony music, to rings, to the dress and everything else in between for the reception venue, then signing a register at the registry office wont take away any magic from the day :-)

It's quite normal, and is very popular in other European countries. The UK is just catching up.

If you check you should find there's a really cheap civil ceremony available midweek, which is just for the couple and two witnesses. You go in your jeans.

We will be legally married at the registry office the week before and having a celebrant do the service on the day. Very few people will know and she is doing us a lovely personal service plus we save around £400! Xx

This is quite common these days - I went to a (slightly hippy) wedding in Wales recently which was held under a big tree. The legal bit had been done a few weeks before.

As long as you are OK with it, then don't worry about what other people think.

Again, you do not need to go in your jeans. The majority of people make an effort!