Ceremony Planner
Ceremony Planner
To tell us how you want your ceremony to take place, so your ceremony is bespoke to you, complete your Ceremony Planner.
Before completing your Ceremony Planner, take a look at our advice about what to expect on the day.
- Pre-ceremony consultation
- Ceremony fees
- Parking and travel
- Ceremony arrival time
- Your guests and witnesses
- Ceremony legal words
- Ceremony photography
- Having confetti at your ceremony
- What happens after the ceremony
- Ordering your certificate
Pre-ceremony consultation
You can book a pre-ceremony consultation to discuss your day with an experienced member of our Ceremonies Team.
Many couples find a pre-ceremony consultation helpful. In this appointment we can discuss your choices, help you complete your planner, answer questions, and even have a full rehearsal.
We offer pre-ceremony consultations on selected days in the weeks leading up to your ceremony. The fee for a pre ceremony consultation is £44.00.
Ceremony fees
If you're having a statutory ceremony (the couple and 2 adult witnesses only) the full balance is paid at the time of booking.
If you're having a ceremony at The Bootham Suite or another venue the full balance is due 6 weeks before your ceremony. However, you can pay it at any time before then.
Any changes made to your booking will incur a £42.00 administration fee for each change.
If you move house, change my email address or phone number before the ceremony, please update us of any changes to your booking or contact details so we can keep in touch and provide you with the correct information.
Parking and travel
If your ceremony is taking place at York Register Office (56 Bootham, YO30 7DA), then the area directly outside is a cobbled area where double yellow line parking restrictions apply. There is no parking at the register office. The car parks nearest to the office are Marygate and Bootham Row.
If your ceremony is taking place at another venue, please check parking arrangements with the venue.
We recommend booking taxis in advance, if required.
Ceremony arrival time
Please be mindful of York traffic, as the ceremony must start on time.
You will have a short meeting with your registrars before your ceremony in preparation for the ceremony.
You're not required to bring ID with you, unless you've changed your name since giving notice. If this is the case, contact us on email: registrar@york.gov.uk so we can check your documents before your ceremony.
Your ceremony will last from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your ceremony choices.
Arrival at York Register Office
For a statutory ceremony this will be at York Register Office, please arrive 5 minutes before your ceremony.
If you're having a ceremony at The Bootham Suite please arrive 20 minutes before your ceremony.
If you're arriving separately, please stagger your arrivals: one partner should arrive 20 minutes before your ceremony, and the other 10 minutes before. Please do not arrive any earlier as there is nowhere for you to wait.
Please ask your guests to arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Arrival at other venues
If you're having your ceremony at another venue, your registrars will arrive at the venue 30 minutes before your ceremony.
You should arrive at your chosen venue and be ready at least 30 minutes before your ceremony. If you're arriving separately, please stagger your arrivals: one partner should arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony, and the other 15 minutes before.
Please ask your guests to arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony start time.
Your guests and witnesses
The number of guests you can have at your ceremony depends on the type of ceremony you choose.
At a statutory ceremony you can have 2 adult witnesses only, plus the couple.
The number of guests you can have depends on your chosen venue - for example at The Bootham Suite you can have 2 to 50 guests, plus the couple. You should contact your venue to confirm the maximum guest number.
You must have 2 adult witnesses, regardless of what type of ceremony you choose. Your witnesses must be able to speak and understand English. They must be old enough to stand in court and testify that the ceremony took place.
Ceremony legal words
The legal words for a marriage ceremony are prescribed by law under the Marriage Act 1949 and cannot be altered in any way.
Both of you will need to say the same words. You do not need to learn the words, we'll prompt you to say words and you will echo them back.
The legal words for a civil partnership ceremony can be prompted, read aloud, or read in silence.
Ceremony photography
If you're having a statutory ceremony one of your witnesses can take photos.
If you're having a ceremony at The Bootham Suite or another venue you can invite a photographer as one of your guests.
If there are specific photos you would like, please speak to the registrar on the day. The photographer will not be able to take photos when you are signing the schedule. We will provide a photo opportunity, so you can capture these moments.
Photographers must not cause a delay to the start of the ceremony.
Having confetti at your ceremony
Biodegradable confetti is allowed if you are having a statutory ceremony, or a ceremony in The Bootham Suite.
If your ceremony is taking place at another venue, please ask your venue coordinator.
What happens after the ceremony
After a statutory ceremony you can take photographs with your witnesses in the courtyard and gardens.
After a ceremony at The Bootham Suite, you can take photographs with your guests in the courtyard and gardens. However, please be aware that you will need to leave the area half an hour after your ceremony and before the next ceremony. You must take all belongings with you.
After a ceremony at another venue, we'll leave you with your venue coordinator.
Ordering your certificate
You will be able to order your certificate 7 working days after your ceremony.
The fee is £11 per certificate and your order will be posted within 15 days from the date you submit your order.