Where you marry may depend on the current governement regulations. As they are unpredictable, perhaps I can leave them out of the equation.
The decision as to where you hold your wedding is likely to be vital. The atmosphere is going to matter to you both.
So where can you marry?
The obvious choices
- The answer is simple, if you go down the full religious route. You’ll marry in your religious building.
- Should you opt for a Register Office affair, it’s no less simple. You make an appointment to attend the office, with two witnesses, and that can be it.
There’s another choice
You don’t have to be bound by those two alternatives. You can opt for the civil celebrant route, and then it’s a potentially more rewarding ball-game.
You’ll still need to attend at the Register Office. That’s how you will get legally married first. (The legislation may be changing, but that’s for another day!) You’ll need to make an appointment before the ceremony (as above).
The difference is that now you can additionally have your personalised service. That’s where you stammp your personalities and beliefs on the occasion. Your civil celebrant will help you create this dream ceremony and then conduct it beautifully.
The ceremony can take place in the venue of your dreams,
And that means almost anywhere that your imagination (and COVID-19 regulations) allow! Indoors or outdoors (or even underwater!). It could be in your back garden or (with permission, of course) in a field next to a canal, up the Shard, at Stonehenge, by the seaside, in the Ritz Hotel, in a hot-air balloon … – well, you get the picture!
Advice
If you’re arranging the ceremony yourself, you’ll need a celebrant, and probably suppliers such as florists, photographers, make-up artists, caterers, etc.
You may want to hire a wedding planner. For the extra cost, you get peace of mind. Depending on the package you agree, every detail can be organised and overseen for you.
Regardless, you need to get permission and/or pay for the venue you may be using.
All this should be arranged well in advance – generally, at least a year ahead, as some of the suppliers get booked up quite early.
With all suppliers, try and get first-hand reports from people who have used them. This may be word-of-mouth or website reviews, but speaking to them directly is important. You can ask your questions and get a feel for the supplier’s attitude.
Practicalities
Remember good old health and safety – especially if you’re organising everything yourself. (No trailing wires; ensure there are sufficient toilets; check signposting etc. etc.)
The bottom line is that you really can choose where (and how) to mark your big day. Just remember to ensure you are COVID-19 compliant (whatever the current regulations may be).
Of course, if you need any advice on the ceremony, just contact your friendly neighbourhood celebrant!