Marriages & Partnerships
Your guide to getting married or forming a civil partnership in Somerset & North Somerset.
Getting Married In Somerset – How Does It All Work?
Getting married or forming a civil partnership is an exciting time, and you will have lots of questions about what you need to do and when to do it. We have guidance on Giving Notice, how to plan your perfect ceremony, and more information on FAQs such as how and when to change your passport, or converting a civil partnership to a marriage. This page runs through the essential steps and the order that they need to happen.
You can also now view our new step-by-step magazine style Ceremony Guide online. Look out for paper copies at wedding venues, wedding fayres, registration offices and tourist information centres.
STEP 1: MARRIAGE OR PARTNERSHIP?
Which would you prefer? You might be sure already, or perhaps you’re unsure what the difference is between the two. You have to decide which one you want before any of the legal paperwork is started so it’s best to do some research before you book anything. They are broadly the same, but there are some subtle differences. It may also be important if you are planning to live or travel in areas that don’t formally recognise civil partnerships. We will happily provide either ceremony – the choice is up to you.
Find out about Civil Partnerships on the Civil Marriage Or Civil Partnership page
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR VENUE
Register Office, Approved Premises, Church or Abroad? There are so many beautiful and meaningful places for marriages and partnerships. It all depends on what suits you and your needs.
Browse our online Venue Directory for a full list of all the civil venues in Somerset & North Somerset, look at our Somerset Register Office Venues page or talk to your minister if think you would like a church wedding.
Learn more about the different kinds of ceremony and where you can have them on the Booking Your Ceremony page.
STEP 3: BOOK YOUR REGISTRARS
You can book registrars for marriages and partnerships up to 2 years ahead in Somerset. Read through all the advice and FAQs in our Booking Your Ceremony page. If you’re booking a full ceremony with guests then we’ll ask if you want a Classic or Enhanced ceremony. You can always change your mind later but it’s worth looking at the options now.
Now you’ve got the date, venue and registrars nailed down, it’s time to send out those invitations and plan that party!
STEP 4: GIVE NOTICE
This is the essential legal bit that has to happen before the ceremony. Sometimes it’s referred to as Notice of Intent, or Notice of Marriage, and it’s the same as reading the banns in church. We recommend doing this 3-6 months in advance. Find out more on the Giving Notice page.
STEP 5: PLAN YOUR CEREMONY
Find heaps of FAQs and advice in our Ceremony Planning page. There’s also more essential information in the Pre Ceremony Check guidance pack and in our online ceremony magazine. We don’t need to know right away, but it’s worth thinking about how everything works and how you’d like to celebrate. It’ll give you plenty of time to research entrance music or find just the right people to do the readings.
STEP 6: PAY THE CEREMONY FEES
You can do this at your notice appointment if you live in our district. Otherwise, you should call to pay by phone at least 8 weeks before the ceremony date. Find out more about our fees, when and how to pay on the Costs page.
STEP 7: COMPLETE YOUR PRE CEREMONY CHECK FORMS
This should be done at least 4 weeks in advance to give us plenty of time to personalise your ceremony and make sure we have everything we need. Hopefully you’ve found all the information you need in the Planning Your Ceremony section already. You can find the forms and guidance on the Ceremony Forms & Guidance page.
STEP 8: TURN UP & SAY I DO
You should aim to arrive around 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony booking – read the ceremony guidance pack for more details of how that works. Our registrars will meet you before the ceremony for a last minute chat and to check final details. They will have all the legal paperwork so you don’t need to bring anything with you on the day. They’ll guide you through everything, so you don’t need to be nervous. Relax and enjoy your special moment together. We’ll take care of all the paperwork and send you your certificate in the post a few days later.
For more details about certificates and ordering extra copies, see the More Information Page.
