You can choose to hold your ceremony in any approved venue. Each property has been inspected and approved as suitable for civil ceremonies. Wherever the ceremony is held it will be conducted by staff from the local Register Office.
If you decide to hold your ceremony in an approved venue, you should contact them first to make sure that the date you want is available and you are happy with the costs and packages they offer.
Once you have confirmed details with the venue you need to book the registrar to conduct the service. If you decide to hold your ceremony in Torbay you can only book a registrar for a date up to two years in advance.
Your ceremony
You will need to have two people to witness your ceremony. They should be over the age of 16 and be able to speak and understand English.
Once your guests are seated the registrar will say a few words of welcome and explanation and then conducts the vows.
After you have made your marriage contract, the registrar records the marriage in the register which you both sign, followed by your witnesses. Once this has been done both the registrars sign the register and give you your marriage certificate.
Unlike a marriage, a ceremony is not a legal requirement however many couples choose to have a ceremony. This will be tailored to suit your requirements. You will then sign the schedule along with your 2 witnesses and the registrar.
Your guests are welcome to take photos. If you wish to make a video of your ceremony, please let the registrar know so that they can direct the person filming to the most suitable position.