VENUE
Q . CAN I GET MARRIED IN A MARQUEE ? A . If the marquee is located within the grounds of the Approved Premises then yes . You should discuss this with your venue .
Q . WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MARRY OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP IF I HAVE MY CEREMONY IN THE GROUNDS OF THE APPROVED PREMISES ? A . No . This will not be necessary unless you are changing to a different venue ( for example , if your current venue has decided not to offer outdoor ceremonies ).
Q . WILL MY CEREMONY BE CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ? A . No . Venues have been advised to consider contingency plans so that a ceremony can still take place on the day . You should discuss and agree this in advance with the Approved Premises . This may be use of an approved room within the premises , or a covered structure in the grounds .
Q . CAN I HAVE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF GUESTS AT MY CEREMONY IF IT IS TO BE HELD OUTDOORS ? A . The maximum number of guests who can attend your ceremony will depend on a number of factors , including , health and safety and fire precautions ( including in relation to any structure within which the outdoor ceremony will take place ), and any planning restrictions which may be in place or which may be imposed by the local authority on the venue .
Approved Premises will also need to consider how the guests can be accommodated in the event of inclement weather , whilst meeting health and safety requirements , which may differ , for example , if the ceremony needs to move to an approved room inside the premises .
PERSONALISING YOUR CEREMONY CONTENT The idea of arranging a civil ceremony can be daunting . Obviously , you want to get everything right , from vows to venue , to make sure you ’ re legally married at the end . However , the ceremony content is a lot easier than you think - and we ’ re here to help .
There ’ s a common misconception that civil ceremonies lack character .
Typically , the ceremony itself consists of legal vows and declarations and the signing of the schedule . There is set wording for the vows – however , there are different versions of this , which you ’ ll choose in advance from our ‘ Choices ’ booklet . ‘ Our Kentish Ceremony ’ allows you to personalise your ceremony , by adding readings , poetry , music and even writing your own personal promises to each other ! Choosing these can actually be one of the most enjoyable - and inexpensive ! - parts of wedding planning . Maybe get family and friends involved by asking them to read a poem .
You will need to run all readings and music choices past the registrar in advance , and these cannot have religious associations .
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