Many people dream of getting married abroad and it is easy to see what the attraction would be. Number one, or at least up there, especially if you want an outside ceremony, must be the weather.
Even getting married in August, the UK does not assure you good weather on your big day. It is almost impossible to guarantee that the beautiful outdoor ceremony that you have your heart set on will happen as it appears in your head.
It is always crucial to ensure that you are aware of (and fulfil!) all of the legal preliminaries before your marriage – whether it is to be at home or abroad.
There are many people, websites and blogs that will provide support in planning your wedding. That is great. I love most of them. But for guidance on the legalities, you should always check the actual requirements and the only two places that you should take advice from is the General Register Office or your local Register Office.
I was a Superintendent Registrar for many years and it was always heart breaking when couples had their dreams shattered after taking the guidance of a well-intentioned friend or a helpful, but ill informed, professional.
If you are getting married in England or Wales and not getting married in a CofE church the chances are you will have to give Notice at a Register Office. If you are getting married anywhere else you will almost certainly need to do something and what you need to do varies, depending on many factors. Things also change so don't go by what someone else did when they got married!
It is your marriage and you should check the requirements yourself. It isn’t difficult. There are very simple to follow guides from the General Register Office, on the government website Gov.uk:
The rules for people living, or getting married, in Scotland or Northern Ireland are different to those in England and Wales and you need to ensure that you refer to the correct sections.
The above may seem a bit boring compared to choosing cakes and favours and flowers and shoes but if you don’t get the legalities sorted you may find your day is a nightmare come true, rather than a dream…
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988