MODULE 05
Ceremony & Venue
Welcome to Ceremony & Venue
Your wedding day will be remembered for many reasons, but above all, it will be remembered for how the day felt.
During your wedding ceremony the moment you say your vows, say ‘I do’ and exchange your rings is really the focal point of the day.
In this module, we focus on your ceremony and will guide you through the key elements that shape it. Whether you are planning something simple and intimate or something more elaborate, this section will help you make informed decisions and create a ceremony that feels personal, calm, and completely you.
Unplugged Ceremony
For your ceremony we strongly recommend choosing an unplugged ceremony.
Kindly ask guests to refrain from using phones or cameras so the moment can be experienced fully and your professional photographs remain unobstructed.
You can do this by asking the venue staff to remind guests as they enter the ceremony area and take their seats.
You could request the registrars to make an announcement just before the ceremony begins, or you could choose to display a clear ‘unplugged’ sign at the entrance to the ceremony area.
Ceremony Décor & Styling
Your ceremony space is the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding style.
Whether you’re dreaming of something romantic, modern, rustic, or minimal, your décor choices help bring your vision to life.
Here are the key features to consider::
Aisle Styling
Consider whether you’d like petals, lanterns, candles, floral arrangements, or signage.Seating Layout
Straight rows, curved seating, benches, or hay bales.Arbor / Arch / Backdrop
A focal point behind where you exchange your vows. This could be decorated with flowers, foliage, fabric drapes or kept simple.Signing Table Décor
Think about a small arrangement, battery candles, or personal touches for the place where you’ll sign the register..Confetti
Check your venue’s rules — do they allow confetti? Does it need to be biodegradable?Colour Palette & Theme
Consider how your décor ties into your wider wedding style — florals, bridesmaid dresses, stationery, time of the year and venue surroundings..Music & Mood
The ambience is part of your styling too — what will guests hear as they take their seats for the ceremony?
The Legal Stuff
The legal side of getting married may not feel glamorous, but it’s the most important step in making your marriage official.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep things simple and stress-free.
Before your ceremony can take place, there are a few legal requirements that every couple must complete.
In the UK, if you wish to legally marry you must choose either a religious minister or registrar to conduct your ceremony.
If you legally marry with a registrar this is called a Civil Ceremony.
You can find details of your local registrars by contacting your local council.
Each registration service has a different ceremony fee. If you marry at the registry office it will be significantly cheaper than marrying at a venue.
You must then give notice at your local registrar office, usually at least 30 days before the ceremony. You’ll need proof of identity, nationality, and address.
If you’re having a civil ceremony, you must book a registrar separately from your venue - the cost will not be included as part of your venue hire or package.
You’ll need two witnesses who are present during the ceremony and able to sign the marriage schedule.
If you are marrying in Scotland or Northern Ireland authorised humanist celebrants can legally marry couples.
Top Tip…
To be legally married in the UK couples must choose between a registrar or a religious minister.
The building and officiant must be legally registered.
Celebrants and humanist officiants in England & Wales can lead beautiful, personalized ceremonies but they cannot make the ceremony legally binding.
Children at Weddings
Starting to plan your wedding?
Congratulations! Here’s where to start and what to focus on first…
Considering a Bird Release
Before you decide whether to have a bird release during your wedding ceremony. Watch this video…
The Aisle
It’s your moment, you're about to walk down the aisle, who will you be walking with and why? This video is all about those precious steps before you become married.
Dogs At Weddings
Wondering if bringing your family pet along to your wedding is a good idea? Watch this video first…
Top Tip…
Hold your first kiss for a moment so your photographer has enough time to capture a beautiful image.
Wondering when to say “I do”? This PDF will help you choose the perfect ceremony time.
What time should we marry?
In this PDF, you’ll find a practical easy-to-use comparison guide designed to help you shortlist and compare your favourite venues side by side.
Venue Comparison Guide
Wondering when to say “I do”? This PDF will help you choose the perfect ceremony time.
Ceremony Music Planner
Your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. You will always remember the song, the moment and how you felt. Here you will find inspiration for first dance songs.
First Dance Songs
Father Daughter First Dance Songs
Stuck on finding the perfect song for you to dance with your father? Have a look through our top picks.
In this PDF you will find the traditional order for who sits at the top table.
Traditional Top Table Setting
In this PDF, you will see what a legal wedding ceremony could look like.
Legal Ceremony Overview
Top Tip…
Here is the typical aisle walking order in the UK:
Groom and Best Man already at the top of the aisle waiting
Groom’s mother to be seated (it can be nice if someone walks her down the aisle and the photographer captures photos of this)
Bride’s mother seated (It can be nice if someone walks her down the aisle and the photographer captures photos of this)
Flower girls / page boys
Bridesmaids
Maid of Honour
Bride with her father or person she chooses
Top Tip:
It is essential to reserve the first two rows for key guests. These seats are typically occupied by:
The Father and Mother of the Bride, Father and Mother of the Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Grandparents and elderly guests
Remember the witnesses will need to get up from their seats to sign the formal paper work, so aisle seats near the front are best.
Head over to Spotify for the Ultimate Wedding Playlists
Listen Now
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Listen Now ☆
We know how much music can effect the ambiance, flow, feeling and emotions on your wedding day.
Thats why we have lovingly created different playlists for the different times of your wedding day.
Discover From Yes 2 I Do on Spotify!