Registrars & Celebrants
What are the main differences ?
CHOICE!
It is getting more and more popular now that many couples prefer to have the legal ceremony with a registrar and a celebrant-led ceremony too. Even Church weddings have dropped to an all time low at 23,000 in England and Wales (Office of National Statistics). The vast majority of Civil Ceremonies with a Registrar takes place at various venues rather than the Registry office themselves.
A legal ceremony and Celebrant-led ceremony do not have to be on the same day, week or even month.
As mentioned in the Marriage Reform document in the “Good To know” section in relation to the Marriage Act - Reform is upon us and hopefully soon Celebrants will be able to marry you legally. Offering you choices. The “Tying the Knot” proposal closed on 24th September and the consultation is seeking views on whether independent celebrants should be given the same legal stance as Registrars or Humanists in Scotland to marry couples legally.
The two main differences are that Registrars marry you legally with the paperwork and official marriage certificate with a small intimate statutory ceremony (2+2) with witnesses or a larger ceremony, without religion.
Celebrants offer you the symbolic ceremony with a symbolic certificate, family, friends, your love story, pets, religion or not and symbolic elements or rituals with the first kiss, the ring exchange and the celebrations with the cake, dancing and photographs etc.
The other differences between Registrars and Celebrants are:
Personalisation and times are very different. Some choices are available with a Registrar within legal rules. Plus time with the Registrar is limited to the ‘giving notices’ day and that may not be the Registrar that marries you on the day, it may be someone totally different.
Do check with your registrar if you wish to have a statutory ceremony (2+2) with witnesses. Or if you prefer for a larger ceremony where you carry out the legal ceremony with a larger number of guests.
Personalisation with the celebrant is the whole point - so you get to tell your story with no restrictions.
With a celebrant you have the beauty of their professionalism and continuity throughout.
No set regimented scripts that have been used before or after your ceremony. Your words, vows and story is unique to you when using the guide of a celebrant.
Polices on who can attend or take part in the legal ceremony vary between registry office so it is worth asking yours locally.
The differences between Civil Registrars, Independent Celebrants and Humanist Celebrants and what they offer below
Average Costs involved booking a Registrar
A typical registry office Wedding in the UK costs around £120 - £1500 for the ceremony fees and legal paperwork. This does depend on the day of the week, the local licensing councils guidelines and the room choice and guest numbers.
Here below are the average costs. Do check your local area for up-to-date costs.
The average wedding costs at a Registry Office is around £1345.00 in the UK.
Notices of Marriage : £46.50 per person or £63 per person if subject to immigration control.
Legal Only Ceremony : £120-£300 - notice fees, basis statutory weekday ceremony fees
Standard Reg Ceremony : £500-£1500 - ugraded ceremony room, weekend or peaktimes and extra certificates
Registry Office & Small reception : £1500 - £5000 (additional restauirant meal and gathering for guests
Statutory Ceremony (Basic) : £62 to £260 - a brief ceremony limited guests and mostly midweek including 1 certificate.
Marriage Certificates : £11-£12.50 per copy.
Booking Administration Fees : Non refundable : £50 - £150.
Enhanced or upgraded ceremony : £150 - £850+ often booked for Friday, -Sunday and bank holidays
Additional costs - decorative packages, photography permissions, music and personalised vows
Tips for a Budget Registry Office Legal Ceremony
Ceremonies are what you make them. However they can become expensive. If you are on a budget here are some ideas to help.
Choose midweek
Have a restaurant meal
A garden party at home (including your celebrant-led ceremony!)
Consider time of year to have your ceremony: Nov-March are cheaper months
Make a smaller guest list for the ceremony and more guests during later celebrations
Put a planning journal together to plan all that you need to keep track of all expenditure
Go by recommended suppliers so you are guaranteed smooth ‘on the day’ support
Book in advance - giving you time to save
Hire a small ceremony room
Bring your own alcohol
Ask a friend to make your cake
Add your own music playlist
Book your photographer for key hours not the whole day
Skip the favours - many venues say they get wasted and end up in the bin!
Book a brunch or afternoon tea!
Buy pre-loved items
Borrow, hire or DIY the decor
Use silk or dried flowers
But most of all Enjoy!
Steps towards a Legal Ceremony
If you choose to have a Legal Ceremony (some couples choose to have a Commitment Ceremony and not carry out the Legal paperwork) here is a guide below for your Registrar ceremony: step by step (England and Wales)
Choose where. The register office, or a licensed venue with a registrar attending. Check Local offices near you.
Book your date. Contact your register office early, especially for weekends and summer.
Give notice. You each do this in person, at least 28 days before the wedding and no more than 12 months before.
Bring your documents. Photo ID, proof of address, and proof of any previous marriage ending. If either of you is not a UK or Irish citizen, extra checks may apply.
Wait out the notice period. The registrar checks you’re free to marry, (they speak to you separately) and your ceremony can’t happen until the 28 days are over.
Pay the fees. These cover your notice, the ceremony and your certificate. They vary by council.
Choose two witnesses if you have a statutory ceremony. They must be 18 or over. Or if you prefer a larger group - bear in mind the costs increases depending on your guest numbers.
Have your ceremony. The registrar says the legal words, you make your declarations, and you sign the marriage schedule with your witnesses. You do not have to have a first kiss or exchange rings or even dress up. If you wish you can do all of those wonderful things at your celebrant-led ceremony.
Receive your certificate. The marriage is registered, and you can order extra copies. (approx £12)
Note: You can either book your celebrant for before or after the legal ceremony unless the Marriage Reform is amended in the not too distant future. However you still have choices.