Registry Office

Sorry, not sure what you mean? Yes it is legal to have a register office wedding with just you both and two witnesses.

HI there, Laura.

I'm an Independent Civil Celebrant and I'm horrified by the way that Registrars don't disclose all the information to couples!

The cheapest and most straightforward option for a legal marriage in England is at the Registry Office in what is known as "a 2 by 2". This means the couple and their two witnesses only. There is no full Ceremony, just the legal wording and declarations in front of the Registrar. It costs about £60. HOWEVER - here is the downside - you will be allocated a date and time, you will not be able to choose. There is none of the Ceremony wording, nor will there be any photo opportunities i..e. signing the Register.

Couples often choose this option if they want a Ceremony led by a Celebrant as they can do the legal marriage whenever they can, but then have a truly personalised Wedding Ceremony at a time and place of their choosing, with as many guests as they like (obviously not at the moment!)

As a profession, we are lobbying the Government to bring England into line with other parts of the UK to allow accredited Civil Celebrants to conduct the legal marriage wording too.

Hope this helps and puts your mind at rest.

Love,

Ali