MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM AS THE NEW COUNTY REGISTER OFFICE FOR KENT , OAKWOOD HOUSE IN MAIDSTONE HAS WELCOMED THE MAIDSTONE CEREMONIES TEAM INTO ITS REFURBISHED BUILDING . WE SPEAK TO THEM ABOUT WHAT MAKES BEING INVOLVED IN CEREMONIES SO SPECIAL
Photography by : Gordon Burgess at gordon @ gbphotographic . com
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE CEREMONIES TEAM AT OAKWOOD ? As Ceremonies Officers based at The Kent Register office , our main role is to be the first point of contact for couples booking a civil ceremony . It is our responsibility to guide couples through all the legal and administrative aspects of one of the happiest days of their lives . Our main duties include booking and conducting Legal Preliminary appointments , taking payments and making ceremonies bookings . We are also on hand to advise and assist customers via email , telephone and face to face - this is a service we offer to all our approved ceremony venues across Kent that hold civil ceremonies . Within The Kent Register Office , we also have the privilege of managing the process of new British citizens in Kent and conducting their citizenship ceremonies . Oh , and of course , not forgetting conducting civil ceremonies taking place at Oakwood House !
WHAT ’ S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A CEREMONIES OFFICER ? This is definitely being a part of someone ’ s special occasion whether that ’ s marriage , civil partnership or citizenship . You really do enjoy helping customers through their journey from initial enquiry to the day of their ceremony and it is very rewarding . You are creating remarkable memories that last a lifetime . It is a very varied job that keeps every day interesting . We also like the biscuits in the office with our dedicated and supportive colleagues .
OF ALL THE WEDDINGS YOU ’ VE BEEN INVOLVED IN , WHICH HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE ? This is extremely hard to choose as all ceremonies are special . Our first ceremony at Oakwood House with Keeley and Daniel will always be special to us as a team . They had an intimate ceremony with just their closest family and friends in The Study .
It is also always nice to complete a ceremony for a family member or friend . If a couple know a celebrant who works for the Kent County Council , they can request them to celebrate at their ceremony . It is a massive privilege to be chosen to do this and is often an extremely memorable occasion . Citizenship ceremonies also stand out for us as we are helping each individual on their journey to become British . This is an extremely rewarding role .
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION BY COUPLES LOOKING TO HOLD THEIR CEREMONY IN A REGISTRATION OFFICE ? One of the main questions we get asked is about personalisation of a couple ’ s ceremony . Within A Kentish Ceremony , you are given the opportunity to personalise your ceremony in many ways . This may include adding readings and music to your ceremony and choosing the wording relating to your vows ,
personal promises , and ring exchanges . The local office will send out a choices booklet to couples prior to their ceremony , this can then be returned to the office and shared with the celebrant before the day . A civil ceremony must not include any religious content and must remain seemly and dignified but most other requests can be accommodated ( subject to the venue ’ s agreements ).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE PLANNING A KENTISH CEREMONY ? Our main advice would be to remember that it is your day ! Make choices and decisions based on what makes you happy . Also , set a clear budget and be sure to understand all costs involved including registrar costs and having your legal preliminary appointments . And lastly , remember British weather is changeable . If you would like an outside ceremony , always have a plan B in place in case of rain .
CONTACT : Oakwood House , Oakwood Park , Maidstone , ME16 8AE T : 03000 414004 E : ceremonies . maidstone @ kent . gov . uk
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