When should we arrive?

You should arrive around 15 minutes before the ceremony. If you are arriving separately that is fine, just stagger your arrivals.

The registrar will need to speak to you privately to check the details to be entered in the register. You will also be asked to give your mother and father’s full name and occupation.

Where can we park and what is the cost?

Entry to the visitors’ pay and display car parks are via Topsham Road. There are 96 spaces, which includes two disabled spaces. This is normally sufficient, but parking cannot be guaranteed, and you should allow yourself enough time to find alternative parking if necessary.

The charges are:

• up to 30 minutes: free
• between 30 minutes and 1 hour: £1.10
• between 1 hour and 2 hours: £2.20

These charges operate from Monday to Friday, between 8.00am and 4.00pm and are subject to change at any time. Please note that County Hall reception staff are not able to provide change for the parking meters. Payment may be made using cash, by phone or using the downloadable pay to park app.

Blue Badge holders will be granted access through the barrier. For this we will need you to email us the registration plate number, along with your booking reference number, no later than two weeks before your ceremony. Emails should be sent to ceremonies-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.

Please note that access cannot be granted if the registration plate details are not sent.

Where should we go?

Please follow the ‘ceremonies’ signs from the main reception to our dedicated waiting area within Bellair. We do ask that no one enters the ceremony room until advised to do so by the registrars and that noise is kept to a minimum as other ceremonies could be taking place.

Disabled access

Disabled access will be via the back of the Anti-Chamber, and we have marked this on the map. The room has a small step so if a ramp is needed please email us in advance so we can provide this.

Where are the toilets?

There are toilets within Bellair. Gentleman’s toilets are downstairs and ladies upstairs. The disabled toilets are located near the disabled entrance.

How many guests can we have?

This depends on the package you have booked. Statutory ceremonies are very strictly the couple and two witnesses only. Witnesses must be over the age of 16.

The other option is a ceremony with up to eight guests. This number must include any children, babies, photographers, or videographers you may have. Please do not try and attend with more guests than your package allows.

Can we decorate the space?

As we do multiple ceremonies each day at County Hall, we do not allow the decoration of the ceremony spaces.

Is there an aisle?

There is a short aisle in the ceremony room.

Can we have music and how is it played?

We do not offer music for these smaller ceremonies.

Can we have confetti?

Confetti is permitted provided it is bio-degradable, please note it is only allowed in the grounds, not the rooms.

Can we have drone photography?

Drone photography is not permitted within the grounds of County Hall.

Can we write our own script?

All our registrars write their own ceremony scripts so they are all different and cannot be adapted.

How long do we have the space for?

Ceremonies take between 15 and 25 minutes.

Are there areas for photos afterwards?

There is lots of space within the grounds of County Hall for photos, we just ask that you are mindful of other ceremonies that may be taking place after yours.

Do we need an order of service?

No, there is no need for an order of service.

If you have any further questions, please email us at ceremonies-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.