It’s big news for Somerset ceremonies. From 1st April 2024 you’ll be able to personalise your ceremony and make it even more unique. We’re introducing two new ceremony packages to replace our existing full ceremonies, and we’re really excited to see them in action. Celebrant style, unity ceremony, more fun, more romance, more choice? You got it!
Why are we changing our ceremonies?
Thanks to the feedback that you all gave us in our big ceremony survey last year, we’ve been working hard to create some new options. A large number of couples who responded were strongly in favour of being able to add additional content to the ceremony, and wanted a ceremony that was romantic, personal, fun and unique.
Classic and Enhanced Ceremonies
Going forward, you will have two options – and anyone who’s already booked a ceremony will be contacted to see which one they’d prefer. The Classic ceremony is based on our most commonly requested format. It’s still a full ceremony with your friends and relatives in attendance. You’ve got the option of walking down the aisle, being given away, having music at various stages of the ceremony, a reading of your choice and a selection of classic ring vows. It’s perfect if you don’t want too much to plan, or prefer a more traditional ceremony.
The Enhanced ceremony has all of the Classic elements, but you’ll also be able to include your own personal vows instead our our ring vows. Up to three readings can be added or you can replace a reading with one of our brand new unity ceremony rituals.
Unity Ceremonies
Celebrant-style unity ceremonies are something that we know is going to be popular. We’ve created four brand new scripts to choose from, some of them also able to be adapted to include your children if you’d like them to take part. These unity elements will take place after the legal part of your ceremony in place of a final reading. They’re a fun, visual and modern way to round off your ceremony before we announce you as our newest couple. Read about them all in more detail on our Ceremony Enhancements page.
Affordable Ceremonies
All our ceremony packages include the two registrars and a copy of your certificate. The Classic ceremony is being introduced at the same price as our previously announced Full ceremony price for 2024-5, and the Enhanced ceremony is just £75 extra. They’re both available at Approved Premises and our larger Registration Office venues (Tudor Hall, Vivary Room, Abbey Manor, Hutton Suite, Frome Town Hall) – basically any ceremony that’s not a basic 2+2 statutory ceremony. If you’re not sure which you want, it’s ok to book the Classic and then upgrade nearer the time if you’ve written some stellar vows or been tempted by a unity ceremony. Let us know at any point, or when it’s time to pay your fees. See all our current prices on our Costs page.