IMPORTANT – For your wedding or civil partnership to be legal in England and Wales, your ceremony must take place in a register office or a venue that has been granted an approved premises license, in the presence of a registrar. To find out which venues are approved, you should contact your local council or visit their website.

Booking a celebrant-led ceremony!, follow these steps:

STEP 1:    Book your venue. This does not have to be an approved venue. Celebrant-led ceremonies can take place anywhere, ameaning there are no restrictions on location or time.

STEP 2:    Book your registrar up to one year before your legal ceremony at a register office, and up to two years for an approved premises.

While this timeframe is important from a legal aspect, it does not necessarily have to happen before STEP 4. However, if you want to book a specific date because it has a special meaning, like celebrating a special day, it is advisable to book your registrar as soon as possible.

STEP 3:    Give notice of marriage or civil partnership at your local register office.

You must give notice at least 29 calendar days before your legal ceremony. For example, if you give notice on 1 May, the earliest date you can get married or form a civil partnership is 30 May. This may be longer if you’re subject to immigration control.

STEP 4:    Book your Celebrant. Check their availability, pricing, what is included, and what additional costs may have to be paid.

STEP 5:    Work with your chosen celebrant to design your ceremony, your way.