If you’re planning a celebrant-led wedding in London, you’ve probably realised pretty quickly that the legal paperwork and the actual celebration are usually two separate events.
As a wedding celebrant, I have learnt that many couples, can find this part slightly confusing! Do you need a registrar on the day? Can you do the legal bit beforehand? And how does it all fit together without making things feel overly complicated?
The short answer is: it’s actually very straightforward, and separating the legalities from your ceremony gives you absolute freedom to create a day that truly reflects you.
So I thought I would help you out and describe (put simply) how to legally get married in London before your celebrant ceremony.
What Does a Celebrant Do vs. What Does the Law Require?
In England and Wales, a celebrant-led ceremony is a bespoke, non-statutory celebration. It allows you to have your ceremony wherever you like; in a garden, a back room of your favourite local pub, a historic ballroom, or along the Thames, without being restricted by licensed venues, script templates, or legal wording.
To make your marriage legally recognised in the UK, you simply need to complete the administrative formalities with a Registrar at a local register office.
Think of it like registering a birth or renewing a passport: the registry office handles the paperwork, while your celebrant ceremony is where the magic happens.
3 Simple Steps to Get Legally Married in London
1. Give Notice of Marriage
Before any legal ceremony can happen in England, you must give formal notice at your local register office.You give notice at the register office in the local authority/borough where you live (not necessarily where you’re holding your wedding). For instance, if you live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, you’ll book your appointment with Richmond Register Office. Just remember though that you must give notice at least 29 days before your legal ceremony
2. Book a “Statutory” (2+2) Ceremony
If you’re planning to do the personal celebration with a celebrant, you only need the bare minimum legal ceremony at the register office. It involves just the two of you, two witnesses, and the registrar. You repeat the required legal declarations, sign the register, and you’re done! It is also worth noting that these statutory ceremonies are brief ( 10 minutes) and are much cheaper than booking a full registrar ceremony at an approved venue.
3. Save the Personal Touches for Your Celebrant Ceremony
You don’t need to exchange rings, wear your wedding attire, or say personal vows at the register office unless you want to. Most couples like to keep the legal signing quick and save all the meaningful elements (the ring exchange, custom vows, unity rituals, and story) for their celebrant ceremony.
Why Choose a Celebrant Ceremony in Richmond, London?
Living and working around Richmond upon Thames, I get to see firsthand how incredible London weddings can be when couples aren’t constrained by traditional rules. Whether it is an outdoor spot near Richmond park, a riverside venue in Twickenham, or your own garden, you are not restricted to licensed venues.
Ready to Plan Your Custom London Ceremony?
If you’re looking for a warm, personalised wedding ceremony in Richmond, Southwest London, or across the capital, I would love to help you and I promise we will have fun along the way. Feel free to get in touch! Tríona xx