Your Ultimate Guide to Planning and Photographing a Civil Ceremony
You’re engaged! Congratulations - now it’s time to start planning your wedding and thinking about what kind of ceremony you’ll have. If you or your partner aren’t religious and you’re not after a symbolic celebration, a civil ceremony will most likely fit the bill. At first take, you may have some preconceived ideas about civil ceremonies being run of the mill and a box checking exercise, but we can confirm that’s definitely not the case. Civil marriages are becoming increasingly popular - and for very good reason.
What is a Civil Ceremony?
Civil ceremonies are weddings performed by a government official called a registrar. It is a legal wedding, resulting in a legally binding document, which does not include the religious elements of a church wedding. For many couples, a civil wedding ensures your marriage is legally recognised and binding at the same time. Whether you envision an intimate gathering in a small wedding venue or a full-blown fairytale affair, we’ve got everything you need to know about planning a civil ceremony.
To help organize your planning, consider the following available services and venue options:
| Wedding Suppliers | Wedding Venue Types |
|---|---|
| Photographers & Videographers | Barn & Country Weddings |
| Music and DJs | Castle & Historic Weddings |
| Florists & Planners | City & Hotel Weddings |
| Catering & Cakes | Woodland & Coastal Weddings |
Flexibility and Personalisation
Civil ceremonies offer flexibility to create a celebration that’s truly fitting for you and your partner. With a civil wedding ceremony, you have the freedom to make elements of your day truly personal, from the wedding vows you exchange to the wedding ceremony music you play and readings you share. However, as a civil ceremony ensures your marriage is legally binding, there are some statements you will need to include and repeat.
Photography Insights for Courthouse Weddings
Not every courthouse wedding is a secret elopement. It can be a wonderful option if you have a small party of guests. High energy courthouse wedding photo and video captures moments where families are fun, supportive, and up for shenanigans with champagne and confetti which always makes for upbeat, joyful group photos.
Regarding the timing of your photography, consider this advice: set your appointment at the end of the day on a Friday. I love late on a Friday because most courthouse business is taken care of and it’s a ghost town. After the ceremony, there’s hardly anyone milling around outside and the light is beautiful. Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples to see how these moments come to life.
Planning Essentials Checklist
When you are ready to get legally wed, keep these planning essentials in mind:
- Planning a Civil Ceremony and Giving Notice
- What Documents Do You Need to Give Notice?
- Booking a Venue for a Civil Ceremony
- When Should You Book a Registrar for a Civil Wedding?
- How to Personalise a Civil Wedding?
Ready to get legally wed? We explain everything you need to know to arrange a civil wedding ceremony, from venues to costs - and what actually happens on the day. Dream it. Plan it. Book it. Wherever you are.