How do you legally marry when having a Roger the Celebrant-led wedding in Somerset?
Getting the legal part of your marriage complete is easy. I am here to guide you through the process of how to legally marry. It’s as easy as ABC!
A. Choose your dream wedding location and book your venue. Remember that it need not be a licensed space if you separate your legal signing, which will then open up a multitude of different options to you. So, if you love a stately home, but want an outdoor wedding, have a wander around the grounds and pick somewhere with great views, or perhaps with the house as a backdrop even have it in your own garden!
There are no restrictions when using Roger the Celebrant when it comes to location, as long as you have permission from the land or venue owner.
I’m happy to work outside at any time of the year where as Registrars are restricted by guidelines that state that once the temperature drops below 16 degrees, they will automatically move the ceremony inside.
Roger The Celebrant led weddings can be officiated anywhere, so pick a venue that suits you as a couple, and one you truly love!
B. Once you have found your dream location for your day, the next thing should be to have a consultation with me in order to confirm if I am the right fit for your and your wedding.
The benefit of this is that we can actually build a relationship before your big day. Having a say in your ceremony content, format, and flow is of huge benefit and can mean the difference between a choice of three pre-set government enforced scripts and a truly personal and unique one!
I only conduct one wedding ceremony a day, so you can choose the best time that suits you both, rather than accepting whatever is left.
C. All you need to do now is to register your intent to legally marry. This has to be done in all cases, whether you choose a registrar or Celebrant, as it enables the registration service to prepare your legal documentation and record the details of your marriage.
You can contact your local office and advise them of this, and state that you have already booked your Celebrant, and will just require a simple service to complete your paperwork and declarations in order to legally marry. This is then booked in on a date nearer your wedding day, usually the day before or day after. Remember though, that you are free to choose when this takes place so book your legal signing in when it suits you.
When you attend your service to legally marry, it is worth remembering that you can save your vows and your ring exchanges, along with all other personal details for your Roger the Celebrant-led ceremony.
It is not a legal requirement to do this when you sign your papers. Just inform the registry office that you would like to do this.
You will be required to take two witnesses and choose one from each of the following legal statements:
Declaratory Words
“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, AB, may not be joined in matrimony to CD.”
or “I declare that I know of no legal reason why I, AB, may not be joined in marriage to CD.”
Or By replying “I am” to the question “Are you AB free lawfully to marry CD?” …
Contractual Vows
“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, AB, do take thee, CD, to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband).”
or “I AB take you CD to be my wedded wife (or husband)”
or “I AB take thee CD to be my wedded wife (or husband)” …
In Somerset for instance the cost of this service is as follows
( taken from the registration service website)
BASIC MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY – “2+2”
The simplest way to legally marry is a ceremony involving just the couple plus two witnesses. It currently costs just £57, including your certificate. This is a set fee that applies across England and Wales, ensuring marriages and partnerships are affordable for all.
The ceremony takes place in a small private office and is available Monday to Friday at the following locations:
- Bridgwater Registration Office
- Shepton Mallet Registration Office
- Taunton Register Office
- Weston-super-Mare Registration Office
- Williton Registration Office
- Yeovil Registration Office
You are then free to hold your ceremony wherever and whenever you like.
Remember, it’s your wedding so have it your way!
By the way …
The same process applies for destination weddings as well. If you are wanting to have your ceremony abroad, why not separate the legal signing and avoid all the red tape at your wedding destination. Upon your arrival abroad you will often have to complete documentation and visit several government offices and associations in order to satisfy their requirements to legally marry. It’s a lot simpler this way!
“Lets keep it simple & personal!”
