Is a Celebrant led wedding ceremony legally binding?

Different countries have different rule around weddings and who can carry out legally-binding marriages or civil partnerships.

In the UK, Celebrant-led weddings are officiated separately from the legal signing of the register. This is usually done prior to or after the wedding ceremony and won’t affect your Celebrant ceremony at all. Don’t worry, though. It’s usually a very simple and affordable process to become ‘legally’ married, freeing you up to think about your amazing ceremony.

Independent Celebrants can create and conduct beautiful wedding ceremonies, but couples must still attend a register office or have a registrar attend a licenced building to make their marriage legally binding.

Getting legally married with a Celebrant in the UK

In order to become legally married in England, if you have a Celebrant ceremony, you will need to register your intent to marry with the registry office and book your appointment to sign the legal documents. The legal element of your marriage is just a short appointment that will involve signing the marriage licence and saying a few contracting words in front of 2 witnesses of your choice. It is not a legal requirement to exchange rings and vows, so these can be kept for your wedding ceremony with your Celebrant.

The legal process can differ slightly from one local authority to the next, so please check in with your local registry office on the steps you need to take to become legally married. Once complete, you are free to have a Ceremony that you truly love.

In England and Wales – The couple must register their legal intent to marry (give notice) in the district where they currently reside, as in the local register office, to their home address.

In Scotland Couples are required to fill in M10 forms that must be placed with the registrar in the district in which the venue (for the legal wedding) is. The place of marriage is recorded on the form.

In Northern Ireland Couples should contact the registrar of the council district in which the legal ceremony will be registered.

In Scotland and now Northern Ireland, Humanist Celebrants can legally marry couples anywhere so the legal documentation will be completed on the day. Humanist ceremonies are currently not legally binding in England and Wales.

For a more detailed breakdown on the legal process, read our simple 5-step guide to planning a Celebrant led wedding ceremony with legal in the UK.

Not planning on having your wedding in the UK? Please contact your favourite Celebrants for an outline of the legal process in your desired country as they’ll be more than happy to help.

Statutory Marriage vs Full Registrar Marriage

Once you’ve given notice or registered your intent to get married with the correct Registrar Office, you have a couple of choices to make your marriage legally binding:

Most people who have a Celebrant-led ceremony opt for a Statutory Wedding at the registry office – it’s a no-frills affair, usually in a small office, with just you, the registrar and your 2 witnesses (who must be over 16). The UK Government sets the fee which is £56 (as of Nov 2024) – find full details of current fees on the government website.

You are required to pick one of 3 legally required declaratory statements:

Choice A

• Declaratory words
  I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (full names) may not be joined in matrimony to (full names).
• Contracting words
  I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (full names) do take thee (full names) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.

Choice B

• Declaratory words
  I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (full names) may not be joined in marriage to (full names).
• Contracting words
  I (full names) take you (full names) to be my wedded wife/husband.

Choice C

• Declaratory words
  I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (full names) may not be joined in matrimony to (full names).
• Contracting words
  I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (full names) do take thee (full names) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband. I promise to care for you, to give you my love and friendship and to respect you and cherish you throughout the rest of our lives together.

Most registry offices offer full ceremonies, with ceremony room hire allowing guests to witness the legal declarations. You can also book a registrar to do the legal declarations and sign the register at a licensed venue, but this service has an additional cost. Check with your venue and/or local registry office for full details.

N.B. Some Registry Offices do not openly advertise Statutory Weddings on their website, but you have a legal right to access this service, so ask them for details if you don’t see it listed.

If you’re still unsure, your Celebrant can advise you on the legal requirements for your area and point you in the right direction.