Don't let the legal bit be a deal breaker!

When planning your wedding, the ceremony is the most important and personal part of the day.

But can a celebrant legally marry you in the UK?

As celebrants we officiate formal ceremonies, including weddings. We offer a personalised alternative to traditional ceremonies, tailoring the event to reflect your values and love story. However, the marriage is not legally recognised in England. Note that technically, the legal term is ‘marriage’, whereas a ‘wedding’ refers to the ceremony, which can include the legal part or not. 

Can a celebrant legally marry you?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a celebrant-led ceremony is not legally binding on its own. To have a legally recognised marriage, you must also have a civil ceremony at a register office or a religious ceremony in a registered building.

Making your choice

If you prefer a celebrant-led ceremony for its personalisation, Similar to registering a baby, the 'legal bit' can be done independently. Many couples choose to accomplish this in the week preceding the ceremony, although the timing is entirely personal to you.

The simplest and most affordable way to handle the legal aspect of your marriage is through a statutory marriage registration, often referred to as a "2+2." This involves you two and two witnesses at the main register office in your area. The process is brief and straightforward: you'll declare no legal impediments to your marriage, exchange vows to become legally wedded partners, and sign the marriage register. It’s a minimalist approach with no added extras! 

You can then hold your dream wedding ceremony, where you like, at a time that suits you and no restriction on words that must be said! All the traditional parts of a wedding that we have come to expect – the dress, the father of the bride, the readings, vows, rituals and rings, are all ceremonial. And this is the part that many couples are now choosing to celebrate with the help of a celebrant. It makes everything much more personal to you.