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A step-by-step guide to planning a marriage or civil partnership

You can get married or form a civil partnership if you are 18 or over, free to marry or form a civil partnership (single, divorced or widowed) and not closely related. If you or your partner are from outside the UK or Ireland, you might need to apply for a visa to get married in the UK.

01Think about the ceremony

wedding welcome sign

One of the first things you’ll want to do is decide whether to have a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony – although if you’re forming a civil partnership you cannot have a religious ceremony.

02Choose a venue

Deer Park

There are over 200 venues across Devon licensed to hold civil ceremonies, including hotels, converted barns, stately homes and our own registration offices.

We’re sure you will be able to find something to suit your tastes or match your budget!

03Book a registrar

registrar

Once you have chosen where and when you would like your ceremony to take place you will need to contact us to book a registrar to conduct your ceremony.

04Give your notice

man signing document

Giving notice of your intention to get married or form a civil partnership is a legal requirement and you must both do this before your ceremony can take place.

We recommend that you book an appointment three months before your ceremony – but you must give notice at least 29 days before your ceremony is due to take place.

 

05Personalise your ceremony

personalise your ceremony

You’ve booked your venue and the registrar – now’s the time to add the finer details to your ceremony.  

Unless your ceremony is taking place in a register office, please complete a ceremony preference form to tell us more about your chosen readings, music or personal vows you would like included in your ceremony.

06On the big day

ceremony wedding sign

When your big day arrives, our registrar will be there to help and guide you through all you are required to do and say.

We’ve provided some useful information to help you think about, and prepare for, some of the most important parts of your day.

Further information

Ceremony terms and conditions

Booking, payment and cancellation information.

Ceremony fees

Take a look at the costs associated with booking a ceremony.

Convert a same-sex civil partnership

Find out how same-sex couples can convert a civil partnership into a marriage.


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