Can you get married in the uk without the church or a reception ?

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Limp-Vermicelli-7440@reddit

Absolutely. Once my mum bumped into my grandad and his partner on the bus and said ‘you look nice! Where have you been?’ And they had just got married at the registry office and not told anyone they were doing it.

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Chosen_Wisely89@reddit

In Scotland you can get married by a celebrant from the humanist society. There's also companies that offer elopement packages for just 2 people. You arrange the celebrant to show up and part of the package can be an over night stay for 2 plus food, witnesses and maybe photographers all provided for you. No pressure to have a big event but you get a nice little holiday out of it.

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Strawberry_Spring@reddit

Just an FYI for anyone’s who’s interested in this - registrars will also provide this service for much cheaper, and without the ‘secular religion’ part :)

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Chosen_Wisely89@reddit

I think that depends on local council. Registrars generally have set locations where they'll carry them out and offer little flexibility where as celebrants generally go anywhere if you pay their mileage. Celebrants also (at least in the case of ours) are a lot more human and take an active interest in learning about the couple where as registrars are a bit more sterile. Outside of religious stuff you can probably find a celebrant that'll do most things for you. Ours done a shot of sambuca with us after signing the documents/before walking out.

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Strawberry_Spring@reddit

[We were told we could do it anywhere, and this says ‘anywhere agreed with the registrar’](https://www.mygov.scot/getting-married#:~:text=There%20are%202%20different%20types,approved%20to%20conduct%20a%20ceremony) My biggest issue with humanists is that I’m not religious for a reason - I also don’t want to join/support a similar secular organisation in order to get married Of course it’s a really personal decision, I just don’t think a lot of people are aware of what the Humanist Society is (just familiarity with the word humanist in the wedding context), or that they’re not the only non-religious option

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Strawberry_Spring@reddit

We got married in a registry office (although it was more of a ‘wedding’ - white dress, meal afterwards etc) Cannot praise them highly enough. The registrars were lovely, and very helpful with both the legal process, and the ceremony choices. Would recommend it to anyone. However, if you get married in Scotland, you can get married anywhere, both indoors and out, so that might be an option for you?

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Normal-Height-8577@reddit

There's a lot more flexibility around weddings than there used to be. They absolutely don't have to be religious, and the wedding breakfast/reception is a tradition not a necessity. So you can absolutely have a no frills appointment at the local registry office with the council officiant, take a couple of mates to be your witnesses, and then have a celebratory pint at the pub (or afternoon tea at a café, or visit the zoo, or anything else you enjoy doing!). Check with your council website about the local costs and arrangements - here's a [good summary of how to plan it](https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships/plan-your-ceremony). They will need you to give at least 29 days notice and the basic fee for a registrar is £56, but other costs may vary according to location and exactly what is bundled into their package (e.g. wedding certificates and postage, room rental, time of year/day of week, etc.). Keep an eye on those extra expenses - in some areas it may still be cheaper to elope to Gretna Green! (Also, even if it's quiet and informal, and even if you aren't usually photo people, make sure you get a couple of snaps to remember the day with. If you don't want the expense of a professional photographer, then make sure that either one of your witnesses can take a decent photo or you have a good selfie stick!)

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McNeddity@reddit

Definitely registry office! My husband and I went this route, neither of us like attention and wanted something extremely low-key. Have a look at your local councils' website for their registered places for ceremonies, we just went to our local town hall, which had rooms to suit all sizes of ceremonies. Everything was pretty much taken care of for us. All we had to do was give notice (at least 30 days before the ceremony), send off our preferences for how the ceremony was conducted, and then turn up on the day! We had 11 guests in total (immediate family) and went to our favourite pub afterwards to celebrate. Hope this helps!

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Megan1937@reddit

Yes, you don't even need a ceremony. You can just go to a registry office & sign the paperwork if you want & that is it. Look on your local councils website & it should have all the information there or contact details for you to discuss it.

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vipros42@reddit

Plenty of good advice on the marriage bit, but regarding the ring tattoos (you may already know) finger tattoos don't tend to last particularly well due to the nature of the skin and the hands. Due to the thinnish skin, lack of tissue between skin and bone and the nerve endings, they can be quite painful, although shouldn't take too long.

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Faith1294@reddit

Yes you can. You can get married in a registery office with just 2 witnesses (can be absolutely anyone). You just need to call up the registry office you want to get married in (doesn't have to be your local one) then book the ceremony and pay the fee. Then you have to book an appointment for you both to give notice. This includes providing documents and answering questions about the other person separately. Can be a little bit daunting but it's nothing to worry about at all. They ask things about jobs/family etc. My husband does not like his family so he asked that none of their names were included on our wedding certificate and they were fine with that. On the ceremony day- You do have to make statements out loud as part of the legal requirements in front of the two registrar's and the two witnesses. They usually give you some options on the language and you can decide what you want to say and what you do/don't want included in it. You don't need to do your own vows or have rings etc. And you can wear whatever you want. Once everyone signs then you're free to celebrate in whatever way you want. Best of luck!

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RedPlasticDog@reddit

I married my partner after 14 years together in a small do at registry office. You will need to go along before hand to deal with the paperwork, and there will be some questions to you jointly and then individually - basic checks to make sure no coercion or a marriage of convenience. You can then book the date for the formal ceremony at the same time. We did have guests at the ceremony but kept it very small numbers, less than 20 in total, then went for a meal in a local restaurant before flying off on holiday. All very low key. You dont have to have rings, they will ask in advance if you wish to kiss in front of guests or not. You can choose to have some music if you wish and a reading from a guest if thats your thing. But if not the whole event can be done very quickly and with no fuss. Congratulations and enjoy however you choose to spend your day.

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FunctionalMum@reddit

A celebration of marriage may be a perfect idea, so that you can plan your ideal “ceremony” leaving out absolutely everything you want to leave out and having it wherever you wish to…

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flying_unipig@reddit

OP, if it helps, I was a witness at a registry office wedding a few years ago. I don't know the preparation needed, but on the day it went something like this. Bride, groom, two witnesses and a few other friends and family arrived to the registry office at the prearranged appointment time. Then, the bride, groom and the two witnesses went into what was a pretty standard office room. Everyone else had to wait in the waiting area. The registrar sat at their desk and I think there was a second official person there too, can't remember what their role was. We all sat down in front of the registrar. They got everyone's details, then said a few words, and asked the bride and groom to repeat the vows / declarations after them. I think they were also given all the information on what will be said in advance. Then everyone signed the marriage certificate and that was it in terms of the ceremony itself. The couple then decided to have some photos taken with everyone in front of the registry office and we all went back to their house for a little garden party. Oh, I also baked a cake - I don't think that's standard requirements for witnesses though :)

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AnnaMargaretha@reddit

The fun thing about getting married is, that you can do it in any way you want, focusing on what's important to you, and leaving out anything that you don't want. We got married last April in Edinburgh by a Humanist Celebrant in a beautifully restored old building with lots of plants. We hired a wonderful photographer and elopement designer, who was also our witness, the other witness was the venue owner. No other people present, but a beautiful and relaxed ceremony for just us two. My outfit consisted of a wonderful pink tulle skirt with pockets (from Etsy) and a top and jacket I bought secondhand of Vinted. I did get flowers and hair+makeup so I felt super bridal but completely in my own style, no white, no heels, black nails, fishnets. After the ceremony we had some cake and bubbles, took some pictures, said goodbyes and went to our hotel to relax and process. Went out to dinner later, just a lovely relaxed day. Firstly, your options depend on where you'll get married. In England you would need to get married by/in the registrar (or the church, but that seems not for you) to make it legal, but in Scotland you can have a "Religious or belief system ceremony", which includes Humanist and Agnostic celebrants. They may give you more freedom to make the ceremony completely your own, but it may also be too much for you? You would need to give notice at the Scottish registrar where you would get married, collect the marriage schedule (a form) a few days beforehand, and return it afterwards. The schedule would be signed by the both of you, the celebrant, and two witnesses. And you could get married anywhere you want! You don't actually need to know your witnesses. A ceremony can be as elaborate or simple as you want it to be. The only requirement is that you say the legal declarations (there are a few options, but it's basically "I ..., take you ... to be my wedded wife/husband." - differences between England and Scotland). That + the signing of the schedule makes it a legal marriage. You can dress this up any way you want to. You can have a celebrant tell your story back to you, read a poem, have some music, you can incorporate vows or some traditional gesture, and anything you want really! You could exchanges hoodies, smash a plate, make a bow, whatever you like (and is approved by the registrar/venue/celebrant) I'd say first decide where you want to get married, and depending on which country, you can decide how and by who you want to get married. I'd encourage you to make a special day out of it. Get a good photographer at least, and incorporate anything that makes it a fun special day for you. It is your party!

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Odd-Scallion-7553@reddit

You legally have to give notice. In church, this is called reading the banns. In a registry office, they go on a notice board. It goes like this: Arrange an appointment to book the ceremony. They will interview you together and probably separately to make sure you know each other. You will also need to provide proof of who you are. You choose a date and pay. You will need to decide on the words you will use in the ceremony, they'll give options, and it doesn't need to be done in that meeting. On the day, you turn up a bit early with you 2 witnesses. You both have to say the declarations - this is the legal wedding, then everyone signs the register, and a certificate is produced. Wedding complete - go to the pub congratulations in advance

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strawberrypops@reddit

Registry office? Just invite the people you want to be witnesses and then head off to the pub or whatever after.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Do registry offices just let you sign stuff and have a single witness and do you have to procure a registrar? or do they have their own knocking about ? i apologise for all the questions, ive tried to google it but with my autism i can struggle to understand the wording of a lot of legal text

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feebsiegee@reddit

Two witnesses. We literally just had the witnesses and no guests!

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

thank you!

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feebsiegee@reddit

Our registry office wedding cost about £450 if I'm remembering rightly, so it's not extortionate. I paid the deposit when I booked it over the phone, and then paid the rest when we did our interview a couple of months before hand

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Comfortable--Box@reddit

You *must* have two witnesses. So first you will have to book an appointment online to tell the register office you want to give notice of marriage, then you must both attend the appointment in person and actually give notice of your intent to marry and produce all the relevant documents to check you're legit. At this appointment you can also book the registry office for your 'ceremony'. You should not need to procure a registrar for a registry office ceremony, they should be included (always worth double checking). Usually for a "2+2" ceremony, you will use a small registrars office only licenced for "2+2" ceremonies. They will then put a notice up publicly saying you want to marry and if no-one objects after one month, you can marry (for up to 12 months after the notice). When you get married you will say the standard legal vows, and then you and your witnesses will all sign the paperwork. You should be able to get the marriage certificate within a day or even same day. You will have to pay for the notice (£40ish each), the ceremony (varies, about £60 for a 2+2 wedding near me), and the certificate (tenner-ish)

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JocastaH-B@reddit

I'm wondering if you go to the registry office and ask they may be able to explain the process to you. Does anyone here know if that's possible?

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Kirstemis@reddit

You have to make legally required declarations in front of the registrar. You can't just turn up; you have to give notice and get a licence, and book an appointment for the actual wedding.

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SeveralFishannotaGuy@reddit

The registrar will be provided by the register office and will run the ceremony, giving you the words to say out loud. Then you, the registrar and the witnesses (you need a minimum of two) sign the register and you are done. You will need to give notice (which involves going in, giving ID and confirming you are free to marry, and signing a form) at the register office where you live at least 29 days beforehand.

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Gulbasaur@reddit

Your marriage is the declaration - the vows themselves. The certificate is just evidence that it happened. In England and Wales at least, you are legally married during the ceremony. The signing of the certificate is secondary (but also important). You need two witnesses and a registrar. The registry office will help coordinate with a registrar.

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AliveAd2219@reddit

Go to your town hall (or wherever the local registry office is) and speak with someone in person.

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DameKumquat@reddit

Some register offices can provide witnesses to a 'simple ceremony', others say you have to provide your own, but people on the street will often oblige (or Redditors). My ceremony was under 40 seconds, plus another five minutes for signing the certificates. We chose to have an unofficial ceremony with friends and a few family later.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much! we have two friends in mind (a couple who aren't friends with any of our other friends, ones a photographer and we get on well with them and it wont feel like favouritism towards our other friends if that makes sense? ) their local and work similer shifts to us so would probably be free on a random weekday which would be our intention. I hope you had a lovely ceremony!

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DameKumquat@reddit

We actually had a half-hour argument beforehand with the registrar, because they had to specify that marriage was between one man and one woman (as was the legal case at the time). He agreed to change it to 'two people' as he expected same-sex marriage would happen with the year (ten years later...) Had 20th anniversary recently. 😍

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hidden_john@reddit

We got ‘married’ at a venue in front of family and friends… But what they didn’t know, is that we had already legally married. They send you a form asking what you want to do at each stage of the ceremony - any readings? Exchange of rings? How many people attending? What vows do you want to say? Etc We just said no/ nothing, to every line - we told them we just wanted the absolute bare legal minimum. On the day we had our 2 mums as the witnesses (the only people who even knew) and the registrar said it was the quickest ceremony she had ever performed, we didn’t say vows, just the ‘I do’ bit, and it probably lasted 10 mins max and most of that was just the setup and signing afterwards

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you for all this information it's really helpfull , im glad you could enjoy your speedy weddinng! did you choose to have a ceremony much later or close to when you "married"

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bluntbangs@reddit

Just wanted to comment to say that it's incredibly romantic to want to celebrate your love in a way that works for both of you! And yes, you can marry usually at the council hall with a witness, so it can be very small and private. Wishing you a lovely wedding and happy rest of your lives together!

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you , him and I definately view it that way! we've casually mentiomned that we plan on getting married one day to friends in passing but when we explain our aversion to the traditional wedding set up for us and explain our plans, people (without meaning to) try and "add" to it. It's sweet they want it to be special but to us it already is special if that makes sense? thank you so much :')

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knight-under-stars@reddit

Firstly, how your wedding is carried out is your choice. You do not have to justify your choices or conform to any stereotypes. All that matters is that you and your partner are happy. To the main point though yeah, you can just book a registry office wedding with no fuss or after party. I think you need a couple of witnesses but that's about it.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much! to be honest i was adament i'd never get married ever , even if i stayed with someone for life but for the last few years it's felt like something i want with my partner. That being said it doesnt change the fact the idea of a traditional wedding ceremony seems off for me and it goes against his temperment entirely , im very excited for whenever his sister gets married though! Thank you! that helps a lot

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Extension_Pea_8021@reddit

Hey OP, huge congratulations, sounds very similar to our (mid covid) wedding. You can look up your local registry office online and they'll tell you the prices. We had our mams as witnesses, cost about £350 in total (was a while ago now so may be wrong) but you can do an even smaller ceremony (we had two guests each as opposed to just 2 witnesses). Only other thing to do is give notice (they'll interview you and your fiance separately, its just a formality really to make aure theres no coercion), I think you have to wait 30 days after you've given notice before you can marry. I think that was about £70. Tattoo idea instead of rings is lovely - we made each others rings at a jewellery workshop but wear them on a chain instead. Have a fantastic day and married life together!

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much! your wedding sounds lovely , im glad it went well <3 Thank you for the heads up about the interview , that kind of thing is something that we'd both need some mental prep for since we're both the nervous sort XD The rought financial estimates also really helps so we can know how much to roughly put away! That's so beautiful you made your rings for eachother , if either of us could wear rings or necklaces we'd love to do something like that but the tattoo felt like a good choice because it wouldn't physically bother us and it'd always be there Thank you so much! hope your enjoying married life

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Extension_Pea_8021@reddit

Aww thank you, I'm sure yours will be amazing too! Make sure even if going to the pub afterwards you have some time just the two of you before any friends rock up to congratulate you - we went for a coffee at the cafe we used to visit when we were first dating. Sometimes the pressure to keep everyone else happy is high so its great you're both already in the mindset of its your day and prioritising your relationship over anything else. Totally get it btw we were terrified about the interview XD it looks more official initially, but they'll just ask stuff like how you met, what your partners parents are called/their occupations etc (if relevant). Tattoo sounds perfect, and married life is the best - really excited for you both!

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_Living_deadgirl_@reddit

Yes you can go to the registry office i went as a witness for a friend before they said a few short sentences nd signed the paper. She did walk "down the aisle" as she wanted to do it but i dont think you have to

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daniscross@reddit

Have you considered having an elopement wedding?

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

My Mum and step dad considered that for themselves before my mum passed away I think elopements are a beautiful idea, i think our wedding plans could be considered an elopement sort of? i don't think our plans are as romantic or ceremonial? I think we'd only tell his parents (who live like 5 hours from us) in advance that we were getting married and then ask two people to come ? we hate dancing and loud music and busy places , we don't plan to have a honeymoon (we don't have much money unfortunately) , i have a gluten intolerance so my diet is very restrive so i don't eat out as a personal rule but i think ill buy him a steak at his fave pub afterwards (they say romance is dead lol)

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daniscross@reddit

I had an elopement wedding a few years ago. My wife had previously been married and didn't want the fuss of a 'normal' wedding again, and I have anxiety issues and didn't want the stress of organising the day and worrying about guests, speeches etc. We went for an elopement package in [a place in Devon](https://www.millbrookestate.co.uk/), where everything (literally everything: accommodation, witness, photographer, private chef etc.) was catered for. All we had to do was go to the local council office in advance to give notice of our marriage and then turn up on the day. It was just us and no guests.

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Curlysar@reddit

You can absolutely have a small intimate ceremony, and like others have said it doesn’t have to be religious. The rules are different depending on where you want to do it, so that’s something you’d need to specify for more local/regional advice. In England, you can go to your local registry office to arrange it - you’ll probably need to take in your birth certificates and maybe passports, driving licences or other ID. They’ll want to interview you both separately, but it’s not anything to worry about - they need to check you actually know one another (so it’s not a scam), that you’re doing it of you’re own free will (so you’re not being coerced) and that there’s no legal reasons you shouldn’t marry (things like making sure you have capacity, that you’re not already married, etc). From memory, you have to wait a minimum of a month from registering your intent to marry before you can have the actual ceremony, because legally they need to list it locally just as a precaution to ensure there’s no legal objections (again, it’s mostly to prevent criminal offences like bigamy or vulnerability fraud). And you can do with as little as 4 people - the two of you, plus witnesses. It can still be a lovely ceremony, and there are some options over vows plus you can decide whether you’d like to have music playing or not (you can pick the playlist - their only rule is it’s can’t be religious). It might only be a few hundred quid at most - I can’t remember how much the fee was, but there’s usually a set fee for the registrar and maybe another cost for the room, but it should all be on their website - just google your local registry office. When I got married it was at a registry office in a city and they had a choice of rooms to choose from - we wanted a few people there but I’d say we’re similar to yourselves in that we’re both quite private, both neurodivergent and not fancy folk into big celebrations. We deliberately picked a room that could only hold about 15 people but it was stunning. It was just enough for the closest of family and friends. We enjoyed creating our wedding playlist on Spotify (I still have it) and we could literally just plug our phone into their speaker lol. I picked the simplest vows because I knew I’d be emotional and didn’t want to have loads to read. After it was done, we went to a restaurant and then the pub. It was brilliant and much more in keeping with our preference for low-key and informal.

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WerewolfNo890@reddit

Seen one where they did the legal marriage at the registry office in the morning then got a friend to dress up as a slightly gay vicar to do the ceremony part after with the friends/family. Doesn't matter who does it for the ceremony in front of friends. Saves a shit load of money doing it like that too.

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Hyponeutral@reddit

My husband and I got married in a registry office. First, you make an appointment to go in and give notice. I think you just need to bring your ID. At the appt, they ask you about date and venue. We literally asked when (after the 29 day notice) they have a time available at the registry office. They also gave us a choice of room, I think their smallest one fit 20 guests. At the time (2019) it cost about £60, the larger room for up to 50 guests was £200. We also had a form where we could pick music and maybe a poem? But I'm sure you can also pick none. The registrar was provided by the registry office. Shortly before the ceremony, he called us (me and husband) into a little office to double-check how to pronounce our names, whether we have rings and how we want the rings presented. The ceremony itself: Our friends (including two witnesses) went inside the room while we had our chat with the registrar. We walked in together, holding hands, to a desk at the top of the room. Then, we said the wedding declarations (you repeat in short phrases after the registrar). Then, we were invited to sit at the desk to sign the marriage document, along with our witnesses. And that's it! They gave us the marriage license in an envelope, we took a couple of pictures, then went to our favourite restaurant. I hope this helps!

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ThatHairyGingerGuy@reddit

We got married on a hillside in Scotland with just us, two friends and a humanist celebrant. It was lovely. You could tailor something for yourselves that's just what you want, though in England it's a little more limited where you can get married, or you could go to a registry office instead.

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jiminthenorth@reddit

My wife and I are both AuDHD, so I get you exactly. We had what you might call a traditional wedding, but it wasn't in a church, we had it at a vineyard in Dorking, and it was lovely. Point being, all you need is two witnesses, and you can do the registry office. You just need to go through the interviews with the council to publish the notices 30 days before. The witnesses don't even need to be people you know, they can be anyone. I've seen people asking for witnesses on Reddit for example, although this might not be up your alley.

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hullocanuhear@reddit

You can just have the marriage “ceremony” at a registry office. You just need two witnesses

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nospareusername@reddit

Can your children be witnesses if they are adults?

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

That's great! we can definately manage that <3 thank you

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hullocanuhear@reddit

Also, depending where you are, you could even ask random people off the street to be witnesses. On occasion, I’ve seen people in the London subreddit asking and get willing volunteers

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apocalypsebrow@reddit

A family member works in a town council which has its office next to a registry office, on more than one occasion she has been a witness to a marriage. So the staff can also step in if required

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oktimeforplanz@reddit

Yeah absolutely. You can get married in your local council's registrar office - mine can be just you, the officiant, and two witnesses and that's you. The ceremonial aspect can be extremely minimal. Your local council should have information about how to do it - they usually require a set amount of notice (3 months for mine I believe). That's my partner and I are going to do at some point once we stop procrastinating it. If we could just toddle up to the registrar and get it done there and then, we'd have done it by now.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Ahhh thank you so much for this! its really helpfull so ill look into my councills rules ect Good luck to you and your partner! <3

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oktimeforplanz@reddit

Thanks! I'm AuDHD and he's autistic and both chronic procrastinators, so we're going to need a serious amount of luck to actually succeed in forward planning this. But we'll get there! Eventually...

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Still-Reference138@reddit

Yes, my cousins got married a year ago, they walked into a registery office, in jeans, t-shirt and trainers and got married. They invited two friends as witnesses. The registrar was surprised but really welcoming and kind. On that day, they posted cards to everyone to let them know they eloped. It was a shock but everyone is quite happy for them as they've been together for 8 years! I think the only person who wasn't was the grooms mother, my aunty, who is a horrible woman who wouldn't have been happy anyway. Honestly, I can see more and more people going down your route. Less bother.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

That's amazing! I love that so much for them , it really should be about what the couple want specifically versus what everyone else wants My family situation is messy, im sort of "claimed" by his family , so we're accepted luckily but them knowing their son know his actual personal hell is a traditional wedding so they'd be all for it luckily!

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Still-Reference138@reddit

Honestly do it, from what I heard they got to the registrar office, waited for 10 mins, they were spoken to separately for a minute each to make sure the marriage is real [to prevent forced marriages] and then both entered a room, with the witnesses, the registrar legally had to say a sentence and they had to repeat it, and then she announced they were married. It took about 5 minutes. They signed the paperwork straight after. And the marriage certificate came by post the following week.

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Merboo@reddit

Besides everything else, do your research with a very reputable tattoo artist before getting wedding bands tattooed - hands are seriously prone to fading and bleeding tattoos.

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Few-Dragonfruit3351@reddit

Registry office. Need two witnesses and then pub lunch/drinks/ whatever, happy days.

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The-Ginger-Lily@reddit

Registry office or pretty much any fancy hotel (probably not your local travel lodge) or "wedding venue" church weddings are only for religious people nowadays

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Pretty much! He grew up catholic and i briefly went to one of those scary megachurches as a teen so as you can imagine we are both pretty adverse to partaking in religious stuff, that and the both being bisexual of course Tbh on a more serious note, we just feel like theres no point spending a load of unesscary money trying to make a wedding thats not really us , our ideal day is literally cuddling and watching pigeons out our window and eating too much

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Kirstemis@reddit

https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships

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Saxon2060@reddit

>do you just notify the right people and then go sign and pay for the correct documents Yeah

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Kirstemis@reddit

Are you in England or Wales? If so https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/living-together-marriage-and-civil-partnership/getting-married/

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Practical-Custard-64@reddit

As far as I know, the only obligation is signing papers at the registry office. I think there need to be witnesses present too, but that's it. I don't think you even need to tell anyone about the formality other than those that need to be there. I'm no expert on the matter so I'm happy to be corrected.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Thank you so much! i appreciate that a lot

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SubstantialFly3316@reddit

Sure. Registry office. Presided by an official, sign the legal bits in front of two witnesses for your certificate, then down the pub for pints and sandwiches.

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sphericalcreature@reddit (OP)

Gotta finish the day off with a pint!

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-KristalG-@reddit

Religion doesn't own authority to marriage, nor it invented it. You can marry in your garden, if you choose to, it's just a legal paperwork.

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Kirstemis@reddit

No you can't. You can only marry in one of the couple's homes if they're housebound or in prison.

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pencilrain99@reddit

Registry office , book an appointment , you need two witnesses then in and out in about 15 mins.

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RaymondBumcheese@reddit

My brother got married at the town registry office for similar reasons. I think there were five people, seven in total there but I think it could have been four, the bride, groom and two witnesses. We went out for a nice meal afterwards. It was a good time and what they wanted. We got dressed up, had a nice feed and there was minimal pressure on them.

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spectrumero@reddit

You could elope, or just go to a registry office. Legally all that's required is the registry office.

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Comfortable--Box@reddit

Of course. Go to the registry office with a couple of witnesses.

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Elliottwave80@reddit

My wife and I are going to a wedding later in the year doing just that. We are the witnesses and the only guests. Going for an expensive meal afterwards, but that is it. Check with local registry office about legal requirements and away you go.

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Breaking-Dad-@reddit

Pretty much yes. You need to go to a registry office and you need a couple of witnesses but you don't need to invite anyone else and you can just do the legal minimum.

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