A Register Office Wedding | The Happily Ever After Chronicles

There are many venues around the country in which you can get married. 

Today I am going to tell you a little more about having a marriage ceremony in a Register Office.

In each registration district there is a Register Office. Usually these types of ceremonies are referred to as '2+2 ceremonies' and are reserved for the bride, groom and two witnesses. (Some councils will allow you to have any children that you and your partner have together in the room also.) These ceremonies usually cost about £50 and are simple, quicker ceremonies that are usually friendly, more informal and intimate.

If you are wanting to have more guests present at your ceremony, but not wanting a huge expense for your wedding day, many registration offices also have a 'Decommissioned Suite' which usually hold up to 50 guests. These ceremonies cost between £150 and £500. These are similar to having a ceremony in an approved venue, for example; you are able to have a photographer or videographer present for these ceremonies also.

Both of these ceremonies are 'civil ceremonies', although they may be smaller, this in no way lessens it's validity or importance as a marriage ceremony. You can arrive in full formal/bridal attire or you can choose to wear something more casual. You can have readings in your ceremony to make it more personal to you and even decide upon your own ring/token words.

It's your wedding day so it's completely up to you.

The prices above are not inclusive of the legal preliminaries that you and your partner will need to do. Giving notice is similar to 'reading the banns' at a church, it is done to get your marriage licence and these usually cost £35 per person.

If you have any questions about getting married in a Registration Office or are planning one for yourself I would love to hear from you.

The Perfect Spring Wedding | Eeek - Colour Schemes!

Planning your dream wedding may seem a little daunting and everybody seems to have their own take on what makes for a good colour scheme. I'm here to give you my two-pence of what I think works well based on the various ceremonies that I have seen each season.

Lets start with Spring...


The Chic Wedding

Pastel pink, coral, pastel purple, mint or pastel blue look so beautiful as a colour scheme. Light, bright and airy with a hint of romance. You can add candles and some oversized letters, balloons or paper lanterns for that extra bit of 'je ne sais quoi'.


The Classic Wedding

One or two pastel colours with gold accessories is a big winner for this coming year.
We are going seriously glam here. Think Marilyn Monroe meets the Dior J'Adore advert from circa 2011.


The Boho Wedding

For those wanting a natural feel to their wedding; pale green or mint as a main colour scheme with cream. Pale freshly cut wildflowers everywhere; daisies, poppies, forget me not's- a fresh fruit wedding cake. Candles, ribbons tied around fixtures... The possibilities are endless.


The Simplistic Wedding

White with additional bright colours or multicoloured accents. This will draw the eye and you can have a lot of fun with this... Think multicoloured shoes for each bridesmaid, multicoloured socks for the groomsmen, balloons, flowers, even multicoloured umbrellas for if the weather turns into 'English Springtime'.


Which would you choose for your perfect springtime wedding? Let me know in the comments below.

Readings and Poems to have in your Ceremony.

Choosing to incorporate readings or poems to your wedding celebration is a lovely way in which you will be able to add a personal touch to the ceremony that your wedding celebrant or 'officiant' has prepared for you.

It can be quite daunting when deciding which to choose of which are suitable so I have grouped together some of my favourite readings, poems and quotes for you to read and use as you wish. During the ceremony they can be used to ease the tension on you and your partner after saying your legal vows and before going on to exchanging rings/tokens. They can be read by the bride, groom, guests or of course the registrar if you wish.