Renewal of vows preparation guide
Here's everything you need to know about your renewal of vows ceremony. After reviewing this information, you can complete the ceremony options form to share your preferences and personal additions.
Arrival
Before your ceremony your registrar will meet you both at your venue for a brief pre-ceremony meeting. This is to review the proceedings and confirm any personal elements you've chosen. These meetings can be conducted together or separately.
If you opt for separate interviews, the first person should be ready 20 minutes before the ceremony, and the second person 10 minutes before. If you'd prefer to be seen together, please be ready 20 minutes before your ceremony begins.
To ensure your ceremony proceeds smoothly and on schedule, it's essential that you and your guests are ready to begin on time. Late arrivals risk a shortened ceremony or even postponement to another day, this is to ensure later ceremonies on the same day are not impacted. Please be aware that additional fees may apply if your ceremony is postponed.
Number of guests
Ceremonies at a Register Office
Each ceremony room has a strict maximum capacity, determined by fire regulations, which cannot be exceeded.
These capacities include everyone present except the registrars: the couple, all guests (including children of all ages), photographers, videographers and musicians.
Please ensure you are aware of the capacity of your chosen ceremony room. You can find our room capacities below.
Ceremonies at another venue
The maximum number of guests your venue can accommodate is determined by its safe capacity. Please check with your venue about their maximum capacity.
Photos and videos
Photos and videos are permitted throughout the entire ceremony. If you have a professional photographer or videographer and would prefer guests to refrain from taking their own, please state this on your ceremony options form, and your registrar will make an announcement at the start of your ceremony.
Music
You may include music at three points during your ceremony; for your entrance, during the signing of the commemorative certificate, and on your exit.
Register office ceremonies
If your ceremony is taking place at a register office. We have the following facilities, that you are welcome to use:
- Bluetooth speaker
- CD player
- AUX port (please bring your own cable)
You are welcome to use your own speaker or device, but please note, mains power will not be available for plugging in any equipment.
Finally, you will need to nominate one of your guests to manage the playing of your music.
Ceremonies at another venue
For ceremonies held outside a register office, discuss music arrangements directly with your venue.
Readings
Readings can be included in your ceremony.
The placement of any readings within your ceremony can vary, depending on its content. You can discuss this with your registrar during the pre-ceremony check.
Personal vows
During your ceremony you'll have the option to exchange personal vows. The ceremony options form provides suggested vows, or you are welcome to write your own.
Confetti
The throwing of confetti is not permitted at our register offices.
For ceremonies taking place elsewhere please check their policy on the use of confetti. Where it is permitted we encourage the use of biodegradable confetti.
Commemorative certificate
You'll get a commemorative certificate to take home as a keepsake of your special day. You'll sign this during the ceremony, which makes for a lovely photo opportunity.
If you'd like to order additional certificates or any other commemorative products contact the Ceremonies Hub on 0345 60 80 198.
Ceremony options form
Your ceremony options form should be submitted to the Ceremonies Hub one month before your ceremony date, detailing all personal additions.
Complete the ceremony options form once you have finalised all your personal additions.
Questions
If you have any further questions please contact us
Phone: 0345 60 80 198
