Holne Park House

Your Guide to Getting Married

Civil Ceremonies

A civil wedding is a ceremony without any religious context that takes place at a register office or a Wedding venue that has been approved for civil marriages.

Giving Notice

It is a legal requirement to give notice of marriage and, once given, the marriage notice is displayed at the register office for a period of 15 days, after which the marriage can take place. Once given, your notice is valid for 12 months.

Where to give notice

Both of you must go in person to give notice of your intention to marry to the superintendent registrar at your local register office. You will need proof of identity - ideally a passport, and evidence of your address - a household bill will suffice. If you have been married or registered a civil partnership before, you will also need to produce documents that confirm that you are now free to marry.

How long does the civil ceremony last?

The ceremony usually lasts 15-20 minutes unless you would like to introduce a reading or music to the ceremony. You must discuss your intentions with the registrar in advance.

Can you have your own choice of vows?

Below are the minimum vows required to make the marriage legal; you should be allowed to add your own words before or after the following:

In England and Wales the statutory declaration is:

" I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, [your name], may not be joined in matrimony to [your partner's name]."

followed by these contracting words:

" I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, [your name], do take thee [your partner's name] to be my lawful wedded husband [or wife]."

How much does it cost?

Giving notice:  £30.00 per person

Register office ceremony:  £40.00

Ceremony at approved venues: Prices vary - please contact the relevant local authority and venue for details.

Cost of marriage certificate: £3.50

Weddings in Devon - Your local register offices

Devon County Council has responsibility for East Devon, Exeter, South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and their outstations. Information can be found on their website www.devon.gov.uk.

Plymouth City Council is a unitary authority and has responsibility for the registration service in its area. Further information can be found on their website www.plymouth.gov.uk

Torbay Council are also a unitary authority and further information can be found on their website www.torbay.gov.uk