Paperwork
You do not need to bring any paperwork or ID to your ceremony.
The registrars will have your marriage or civil partnership authority and a copy of the options you have chosen, including any readings or personal vows.
You may want to print your readings or vows on card and personalise them as keepsakes.
Meeting the registrars
The registrars will need to see both of you before the ceremony.
They will check the information on your marriage or civil partnership schedule and confirm your ceremony arrangements. They can also answer any questions from your photographer or anyone else playing a part in your ceremony.
For ceremonies in:
- Calderdale Register Office, you will see the registrars together.
- Spring Hall room or approved venues, you can be seen separately if you prefer.
Arrival at the venue
Your ceremony will start at your allocated time.
Please note: If you are late, it may not be possible to conduct your ceremony that day.
Calderdale Register Office
You and your guests should arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony time. You will be taken into the Register Office room for checks. Once finished, your guests will be invited in.
Spring Hall Ceremony Room
You and your guests should arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony time. Guests should go straight to the ceremony room. The registrars will check your details before the ceremony.
If you do not want to see each other before the ceremony:
- The first person should arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony.
- The registrars will check your details and make sure you're in the ceremony room before your partner arrives.
- Your partner should arrive no later than 5 minutes before the start time for their checks.
If you wish, one of you can make an entrance into the room with bridesmaids or others.
Other venues
The registrars will arrive at your venue at least 15 minutes before your ceremony time.
If you do not want to see each other before the ceremony:
- The registrars will meet the first person on arrival to check details.
- You will then go into the ceremony room with your guests.
- Your partner should arrive no later than 5 minutes before the start time for their checks.
The ceremony
You can refer to your personal ceremony plan for an idea of the format of your ceremony.
The registrars will lead you through your ceremony.
You can:
- repeat the words after them, or
- read your personal vows to each other.
You do not need to learn anything by heart.
Signing the schedule
At the end of the ceremony, you will be asked to check your marriage or civil partnership schedule carefully.
Please take time to do this, as any mistakes found later cost £99 to correct.
You will sign the schedule using the names you are using when you:
- contract your marriage, or
- form your civil partnership.
These will be the names shown on your certificate. You can use this as proof of your name change.
You must bring 2 witnesses to your ceremony to sign the schedule. They should be over 16 and able to understand the ceremony.
After your ceremony
Once the schedule has been signed, there is time for photos. Please take large group shots after the registrars have left.
The registrars will then invite your guests to stand and you will leave the room to a round of applause.
You can throw biodegradable confetti in the grounds of the spring hall building. Please check with other venues.
Certificate
Your certificate will not be issued on the day of your ceremony.
If you need proof of your marriage or civil partnership for your honeymoon, the registrars can give you a letter to show travel providers or claim any special offers.
Once the registration is complete, your certificate will be sent to your home address.