Civil Weddings are now as popular as those in religious venues and thousands of properties across the country have opened their doors for weddings. Having a Civil Wedding provides you with the chance to go-creative with your plans by offering a built-in theme to your big day. From piers to racecourses, football stadiums to fairytale castles there is such a great variety of venues to choose from.
One of the best things about opting for a licensed venue is that you can hold your ceremony and reception in the same place, cutting down costs and saving on transport and arrangement plans. Most venues offer a formal room or area for the ceremony as well as space for a reception and will provide help with all the details like flowers, photographers, music and food. Picking a licensed venue can also help you establish a strong theme for your big day. A seaside wedding on a pier or a hotel overlooking the beach is a lovely idea for a summer wedding, a Castle in winter decorated with trailing ivy and burning candles will add atmosphere and romance whilst a football stadium with table decorations in your Teams colours are great fun for die-hard fans.
Your dress, favours and entertainment can also be themed too. A light floating gown is perfect for a wedding near the sea as would sticks of rock as wedding favours and a harpist or bagpiper can help create a perfect atmosphere for a formal ceremony or a Scottish celebration. Many couples also ask their guests to dress accordingly too, with black tie celebrations wonderful for stately homes and hats a nice touch, for example, at a racecourse wedding. Stately homes are fantastic for regal celebrations, with many offering sweeping grounds that can be enjoyed by guests throughout the day. If you want something a little bit different, more unusual wedding venues include boats, train stations, theatres and even caves across the UK.
Weddings in licensed venues must conform with the legal obligations of marriage with a registered official to carry them out. You’ll have to apply for a wedding license in the same way that you would for a ceremony in a register office. Civil weddings in licensed venues also offer couples the chance to create their own ceremonies for a more personal approach. From writing vows to lighting candles and exchanging rings with personal words, many couples choose to run their own ceremony with family and friends, with the legalities of the marriage just a part of the proceedings. Getting friends and family to help with music, readings or even to lead the ceremony will make your day memorable and moving for everyone involved.