Step 1: Choose what type of ceremony you would like

Civil Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Choosing if you would like a marriage or civil partnership will be your first decision.

Visit the Gov.uk website to understand the legal and financial differences between marriage and civil partnership. 

There are differences in the ceremony options too.

In a marriage ceremony, you will need to say certain vows when you solemnise your marriage. You can choose to have a marriage ceremony at a register office or a licenced venue. Civil marriages are available for both opposite sex couples and same sex couples.

With a civil partnership, it is not necessary to say legal vows to each other. A civil partnership can be formed via a simple signing at a register office, or as a ceremony at a licenced venue. Civil partnerships are available for both opposite sex couples and same sex couples.

Religious Marriage Ceremony

A religious wedding can take place at any registered and licenced religious building. This includes:

• An Anglican church (Church of England or Church in Wales)
• Any other religious building, including a gurdwara, temple, or mosque, registered for marriage

If this is your preferred option, you should contact the minister or other person in charge of the building.

Celebration Ceremonies

A celebration ceremony does not hold legal status, but is a popular symbolic way of celebrating your relationship or recent marriage.

You might choose this type of ceremony for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you wish to celebrate your relationship publicly without a legal obligation. You may have had a small legal ceremony elsewhere or abroad and now wish to celebrate with a larger gathering of family and family. Perhaps the place you wish to celebrate isn’t licensed. Whatever the reason, we are here to help you plan the occasion that works for you.

If you are thinking about this option, please email us at registrars@wokingham.gov.uk to discuss your requirements.

Renewal Of Vows Ceremony

A renewal of vows ceremony is for couples who’re already married or in a civil partnership together.

You can use a renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate your time together and reaffirm your commitment to each other. You might have a special anniversary approaching or perhaps your loved ones were unable to attend your marriage or civil partnership and you want to share your union with them.

Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies

If you want to celebrate the birth of your new arrival, or welcome stepchildren or adoptive children into your family, these ceremonies provide the perfect opportunity.

This ceremony enables you to express love, care, and commitment to them in the presence of your family and friends. It is also an opportunity for supporting adults or grandparents to publicly promise to help and support your child(ren) as they grow up within our community.

Our experienced registrars will ensure your ceremony is personal and memorable. We present you with a commemorative certificate as a keepsake of the occasion. Your ceremony can be held in our Ceremony Room, at one of our licenced venues or at a venue of your choice.