A civil ceremony has no religious aspects. Couples can marry at a register office or approved venue in England, Wales or Scotland.

Civil ceremonies provide geographical flexibility because there is no requirement that either or both partners live in the venue's district. The superintendent registrar of the district where the wedding will take place should be contacted, and the civil preliminaries followed.

Approved venues that also have facilities for the reception- for example a hotel - are popular and should be booked well in advance.

See Hired Reception Venues

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