Where do we start?

So you’ve finally done it! What fantastic news, you two are getting married, congratulations!

 

You're probably thinking what do we do next, and where do we start with all the preparations?

 

Here are some tips from Julie, one of our satisfied brides on how to make the big day easier...

• Book the Venue
• Book the Registrar
• ‘Give Notice'
• Authorities for Marriage
• The Ceremony details

"Book the Registrar! – most important, you can’t get married without them.

 

"If the big day is within three years you can provisionally book the registrar. Do this as soon as you’ve found the venue and got your day sorted with them.

Speak to the Ceremonies Team on 01270 375140 as they will be able to provide you will all the information about what to do next.

 

"When you get to a year, or within a year, before the wedding (whichever comes first) you’ll need to ‘complete the legal paperwork’. Your registrar will be able to tell you where and when you need to do this – this is called ‘Giving Notice of Marriage’ (and once this is done, your booking is confirmed, the wedding can go ahead and you can forget all about the legal side of things, and get on with the dress buying and all the good stuff!).

 

"The funny thing is because we got married in another area to where we lived, we had to book the registrar where the venue was. Then we had to do the legal paperwork at the register office in the area where we lived. The registrar helped us understand this and I’m sure they will explain it all to you too.

 

"Make an appointment to go and see them. When you go to that appointment they will ask for documents to prove who you are, your nationality and that you are single (hopefully!).

 

"The usual paperwork they tend to ask for is a passport for each of you, a bill or bank statement each and if you’ve been married before either the decree absolute or death certificate to show you are now free to go and do it all again! There’s also a fee to be paid at this point too.

"Sixteen days later our ‘Authorities for marriage’ were sent out to us and it was then our responsibility to get these to the Registrar who was going to marry us (as without them the wedding couldn’t go ahead – not a good idea!). If you’re getting married in the same district as where you give notice then the registrar will keep them for you (so you don’t need to worry about keeping them safe).

 

"I don’t know where you’re thinking of having your big day, but just as an aside, I’ve had friends who have either got married abroad or in a church and they have still had to go and see the registrar to ‘give notice of marriage’ – so if that’s the route you decide to take, make sure you still speak to the register office as soon as you know where you’re getting married. You’ll also need to speak to them if you or your beloved is subject to any immigration controls.

 

"There seems to be such a lot to take in, but it really is quite easy once you’ve spoken to the Registrar. I found the Cheshire East Register Office Ceremonies Team really helpful and they guided me through all the different aspects of booking the Registrar, giving notice, and the ceremony itself.

 

"As I said before, once you’ve decided on your date and venue, make sure the next phone call you make is to the registrar.

 

Finally, enjoy planning your day!"