WEDDING CEREMONY COSTS IN THE UK

If you're thinking about getting married in the UK, one of the first things you'll need to do is budget for the cost of the wedding. While some couples opt for a traditional church ceremony, more and more are choosing to tie the knot at their local registry office. This blog post will give you an overview of registry office wedding ceremony costs in the UK.


CHURCH WEDDINGS IN THE UK AND CEREMONY COSTS

Many couples dream of getting married in a church. Whether you are religious or not, there is something special about getting married in a church that makes it a popular choice for weddings. If you are considering getting married in a church in the UK, there are a few things you need to know. In this blog post, we will discuss how to get married in a church and how much it costs.


HOW TO GET MARRIED IN A CHURCH

If you would like to get married in a church, the first step is to contact the parish office. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible to be married in that particular church. 

Each church has its requirements, but most require that at least one person is baptised and that both parties have attended services for at least six months before the wedding. 


If you are eligible to be married in the church, the next step is to attend pre-marriage counselling. This is typically done through the parish office and usually consists of six sessions. During these sessions, you will discuss your expectations of marriage and learn more about what it means to be married in the eyes of the Church. 


The final step is to complete the paperwork and give it to the parish office. They will then book your wedding date and time and send you a confirmation letter. 

candid church wedding photography

Candid, natural moments during the ceremony.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED IN A CHURCH?

The cost of getting married in a church varies depending on the church you choose and whether or not you are having a reception afterwards and other additional costs, such as flowers, stationary etc. The average cost of renting a church for a wedding ceremony is around £560. For a breakdown of costs and up-to-date information, please visit the Church of England.


CIVIL PARTNERSHIP FEES & EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS IN THE UK

In the UK, a civil partnership is a legal relationship which is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. It is very similar to a marriage in that it confers similar rights and responsibilities on the couple. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about civil partnerships in the UK, from eligibility requirements to dissolving the relationship. 

Friern Manor Wedding Ceremony Bride and Groom

Friern Manor

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To enter into a civil partnership in the UK, you must be over the age of 16 and not already married or in a civil partnership. You must also not be closely related to your partner (for example, you cannot be siblings or first cousins). 

Similarly to marriage, you will need to give notice of your intention to register a civil partnership at your local register office. You will need to do this no less than 28 days and no more than 12 months before the date of the ceremony. You will need to provide proof of your identity, nationality and residence in the UK, as well as evidence that any previous marriages or civil partnerships have ended. 


THE CEREMONY

The ceremony for a civil partnership must take place in a registration office or approved premises such as a hotel or public building. It must be conducted by a superintendent registrar or deputy superintendent registrar, and two witnesses over the age of 16 must be present. 

During the ceremony, you and your partner will sign the civil partnership document and make two declarations: that you understand that entering into a civil partnership creates legal obligations between you and that you willingly consent to become partners. You may also exchange rings during the ceremony, although this is not obligatory. 

South Farm Wedding Ceremony Bride and Groom celebrating

Wedding ceremony at South Farm, Cambridge.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As mentioned above, entering into a civil partnership creates legal obligations between you and your partner. These include financial responsibilities such as joint ownership of property, paying bills together and making decisions about finances jointly. You are also both responsible for any children of the relationship. 


From a practical perspective, if your partner dies intestate (that is, without having made a will), then you will inherit their estate according to certain rules set out by law. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, there is no automatic right for you to inherit your partner’s estate – even if you have lived together for many years. 


REGISTRY OFFICE WEDDING COSTS AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY FEES

If you're planning to get married at your local registry office, there are a few costs you'll need to budget for. The first is the cost of the marriage licence, which is £35. 


The second is the cost of the ceremony itself, which varies depending on which part of the UK you live in. In England and Wales, the current fee for a registry office wedding ceremony is £46, while in Scotland, it's £35. 


Additionally, if you want to have your marriage ceremony conducted in a language other than English, there may be an extra charge. For example, in England and Wales, if you want your ceremony conducted in Welsh, there is an additional fee of £10. 


The average cost of a registry office ceremony in the UK is £350. This includes the cost of the venue, the booking fees, the registrar, the ceremony fee, and the marriage certificate. The cost can be more on bank holidays.