Legalities
Marriage Law
The marriage law of England and Wales is very specific and quite restrictive. Currently the law states that a marriage ceremony:
- May only take place between the hours of 8a.m. and 6p.m.
- The legal declarations may only be officiated by a Minister of Religion, an appointed ‘responsible’ person for a non conformist religion, or a Superintendent Registrar for a secular ceremony
- Must take place in a room that has been approved and licensed accordingly
- It is not legally possible to marry outdoors i.e. on a beach or in a forest.
- The structure must be permanent and immovable therefore no moving boats, airplanes, hot air balloons or marquees
- There can be no religious element at all in a secular ceremony (music, poetry, vows or atmosphere)
My Service will overcome these obstacles.
After you have completed the legal formalities at any time before (this country or elsewhere), you are then free to celebrate the occasion with a ceremony perfectly suited to your own requirements.
Naming and Child Welcoming
- The names shown on a birth certificate cannot be changed as a result of a naming ceremony.
- There are provisions within the law to allow changes under certain exceptional circumstances, please seek full advice from a Register Office.
- It is quite acceptable to use a name that is not shown on your birth certificate and there are facilities within the law to change your name by means of Deed Poll, Statutory Declaration or by usage. Please seek full advice from a Solicitor or CAB.