Ceremonies we offer

Types of ceremony we offer

Congratulations on your forthcoming marriage or civil partnership!

Nottinghamshire Registration Service offer civil marriages and civil partnerships and whether you choose a simple or more personalised ceremony, either at one of our registration offices or at any of our approved venue premises, we will guide you through proceedings from start to finish.

We offer four types of ceremony for both civil marriages and civil partnerships: statutory, standard, enhanced and bespoke. You can find out more about each of these in the drop-down menu below..

Our bespoke service gives you the opportunity to enjoy a truly personalised ceremony, all about the two of you and your journey as a couple. Six months before your big day, your celebrant registrar will contact you to arrange a private consultation – a meeting for you to get to know each other and to discuss and plan the ceremony they’re going to compose and conduct just for you.

Your bespoke ceremony will be a completely unique expression of your relationship – a celebration of everything that’s brought the two of you together and to your wedding day. A ceremony which tells your love story and reflects your values and preferences.

Your celebrant registrar will guide you through the many options available to you in creating the ceremony of your dreams. From locations, themes and including the special people in your life, to customising your vows and incorporating meaningful rituals, readings and music. With your bespoke ceremony you have creative freedom to be authentically you – you’re the designers and your celebrant registrar will work with you to bring your ideas and vision to life.

In the weeks leading up to your bespoke ceremony, your celebrant registrar will be on hand to answer any queries and provide expert advice. Near the big day, they will arrange for a ceremony rehearsal to take place and on your wedding day, they’ll be there early to steady your nerves and meet any friends or family that are taking part in the ceremony, so they’re relaxed and ready.

If you’re looking for a ceremony tailored to your needs and wishes, your friendly and supportive celebrant registrar is ready to build and deliver your perfect bespoke ceremony. Creating lasting memories and crafting a joyful and heartfelt celebration of your love.

Please call our ceremonies team on 0300 500 80 80 to speak to us about creating your bespoke ceremony.

Marriage

The enhanced ceremony is an ideal choice for couples who would like to create a more personal ceremony for their special day.

We understand how important it is that your ceremony will be one you will remember and treasure for years to come which is why we offer you a choice of 3 different ceremonies; traditional, modern and romantic.

As well as choosing your ceremony, we also invite you to include your own personal additions: choosing your own music; adding a reading or poem; exchanging rings and/or making personal promises to each other (in addition to the legal declaration and contract words).

The law does not allow religious content to be included in a legal civil ceremony. This means the inclusion of prayers, hymns, or a passage or verse from religious text, a ritual, or any other religious song, poem, or music is not allowed.

If you want your enhanced ceremony to be legal, it must take place in a registration office ceremony room or at a licensed Nottinghamshire venue. If you are thinking of holding your ceremony in a venue that isn’t licensed or would like to include any aspects detailed above that are not permitted in a legal civil ceremony, we can conduct a wedding celebration ceremony at a venue of your choosing and oversee the legal side of things at the registration office.

Civil Partnership

We are currently working on our new enhanced civil partnership ceremony script for 2025 which will be published soon.

Marriage

If you are looking for a 'no frills' ceremony without any personalisation the standard ceremony is for you. These are available on specified mornings only in registration office ceremony rooms. Standard ceremony content is predetermined, with no form of personalisation. Guests are limited to the seating space available (maximum 20) so please check with your chosen venue at the time of booking.

Standard ceremony [PDF]

Civil Partnership

We are currently working on our new standard civil partnership ceremony script for 2025 which will be published soon.

If you would prefer to have a basic ceremony with just the minimum legal requirements (two witnesses only) then the statutory ceremony is for you. These are available at our register office in Worksop at specified times.

Please note, statutory ceremonies are only available for marriages. You can find out further information regarding a statutory civil partnership signing.

Plan your ceremony with us

We can help you to organise the finer details of your special day at a ceremony rehearsal discussion. Many couples choose to book an appointment for this discussion around one to two weeks before their ceremony, and this can be done at one of our registration offices. Please note that a ceremony rehearsal discussion is not compulsory.