Bride and groom

The bride and groom should arrive at the Registry Office 10 minutes before the time of the marriage ceremony.  Prior to the ceremony the couple will be seen in private to check all the details which are to be entered in the marriage register and so that the appropriate fee can be collected.

Guests

Guests should also arrive at the Registry Office 10 minutes and assemble in the marriage waiting room. 

Marriage ceremony

The wedding party assemble in the marriage room for the ceremony.  If the bride wishes to enter the marriage room accompanied by her father, relative or friend, this should be mentioned to the Superintendent Registrar prior to the wedding ceremony.

The marriage ceremony lasts about 15 minutes during which the Superintendent Registrar will ask the bride and groom to declare that they do not know any reason why they should not be lawfully married to each other and then to declare that they take each other as husband and wife. 

Wedding rings

A ring, or rings, may be given at an appropriate point in the ceremony, and any additional vows or commitments to each other can be made if discussed with the Superintendent Registrar beforehand.

Signing the register

After the vows have been exchanged, the bride and groom each sign the register.  Two witnesses, who should preferably be at least 16 years old and able to understand the marriage ceremony, will also be called upon to sign.

Photographs

Photographs of the couple and the wedding party can be taken after the wedding in the marriage room and in the waiting rooms.  Guests are asked to wait until they are outside the building before throwing confetti or rice.