The Legal Bit
There are certain legal issues that must be completed in order for your marriage to be recognised legally.
HMD Celebrants is not able to do this for you.
You will need to ask for a Statutory Ceremony also called a 2+2. This is a simple ceremony where it is just the couple and two witnesses. No fuss, no frills.
Outside of the Clergy and Registrars no one can legally marry couples in England and Wales. Humanist celebrants, located in Scotland or Northern Ireland, can marry couples. Legislation we hope will change, but in the meantime ensure the celebrant you hire is fully qualified. Many claim to be celebrants but few have adequate training. Ask to see their NOCN certificate.
Before your ceremony you must contact the Registrar in the District that you live in and give Notice. This requires you live in the district for a clear 7 days prior to visiting the Registrar. You must plan well in advance as in some areas it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment. Once Notice has been given you must wait for 29 days, or 70 days if there is immigration control, before you are able to marry.
From the time that the Notice, or Banns, are given you have 12 months to marry. You must get married at the location that you state on your Notice.
Whilst you do not have to do any of the above prior to having a ceremony with HMD Celebrants, Alison will not be able to introduce you as Man & Wife, or whatever titles you wish, merely as the happy couple and it will be a commitment ceremony rather than a marriage ceremony.
Fees
(* correct at time of publish)
*Statutory Ceremony (Lincolnshire) £46
*Wedding Certificate £11
*Notice of Marriage / Banns £35 per person
*If immigration control (Home Office referral) £47
Civil Celebrant for wedding ceremony From £625 – £1,250 (+ expenses)
Civil Celebrant for funeral service £230 (+ expenses)
Pet memorial From £100
Other Ceremonies (naming, gender affirmation, Contact for details
of Expenses: calculated at .45p per mile (for travel outside a 20 mile radius NG31)
If train travel and/or overnight accommodation is necessary then this will be discussed prior to accepting an engagement
International travel : Economy flight with suitable accommodation (maximum one stop)
