A question I get asked more and more now is what registrars actually do, so in this week's blog, I wanted to explore some of the frequently asked questions ahead of your big day and what to expect.
A registrar is a government official who is authorized to perform and oversee civil ceremonies such as weddings. When planning a wedding, it is important to understand what to expect from a registrar to ensure that your special day goes smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about what to expect from a registrar at your wedding.
In my experience, registrars come in 2 different flavours: Some can be really straight-laced, and will often stick to traditions by the book and be quite restrictive for us as photographers. They might not want us to use a flash for example or might ask us to specifically stick to one place. I even had one registrar ask me not to take any photos at all during the service!
The majority, are really relaxed, and will pretty much give us free rein to do as we please during the ceremony as long as we don't interfere, this is the kind we like, and it helps us get the photos we need from your wedding.
Regardless of the kind of registrar you have, I always try and grab them for a couple of minutes before the proceedings on the big day. It gives me a chance to introduce myself, and them an opportunity to set out any things they don't want me to do. It usually tends to be pointing out that I'm not allowed to take any photos of the couple whilst signing the official register and me outlining where I want to stand.
So, What Does a Registrar Do?
A registrar is responsible for conducting the legal aspects of a wedding ceremony. This includes registering the marriage and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly. They will also advise you on the legal requirements for getting married and in some cases may be able to assist with the planning process.
Meeting with the Registrar
Before the wedding, you will need to meet with the registrar to provide notice of your intention to marry. This is a legal requirement in the UK, and you must do this at least 29 days before your wedding day. During the meeting, the registrar will ask you to provide proof of your identity and nationality, as well as your place of residence. You will also need to provide details of your wedding ceremony, including the date, time, and location.
Before the Ceremony
When it comes to the big day itself, one thing that couples don't expect is a brief meeting with the registrar before the ceremony. This is done separately before the couple see each other and covers a variety of legally binding questions to double-check that each party isn't being pressured into getting married and to confirm the final few details before the ceremony itself.
During the Ceremony
On the day of your wedding, the registrar will arrive at the venue before the ceremony to ensure that everything is set up correctly. They will then conduct the legal aspects of the ceremony, including the exchange of vows and rings. Registrars don't issue the couple with an official certificate now on the day, instead, it's delivered via post after the ceremony. Most will however issue the newlyweds with a "mock certificate" for the couple to use as a prop for photos.
Tips for Working with a Registrar
It's important to keep the registrars on your side, so here are some tips to help you work with a registrar and ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly:
Make sure that you provide notice of your intention to marry at least 29 days before your wedding day. Failure to do so can result in your wedding being delayed or cancelled.
Ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly and that you have all of the necessary documents with you on the day of the wedding.
Be on time for your meeting with the registrar and for your wedding ceremony. Registrars are often busy and may have other appointments scheduled after yours. They're not a fan of being held up!
Be clear about what you want from your wedding ceremony and communicate this to the registrar. They are there to help you, and they will be happy to work with you to create a ceremony that meets your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask the registrar. They are there to assist you and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
A registrar plays an important role in ensuring that your wedding day is legally recognized. By understanding what to expect from a registrar and following the tips I've mentioned, you can ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly and that all of the necessary legal requirements are met. So, when planning your wedding, be sure to work closely with your registrar to ensure that your special day is everything you dreamed it would be.
That's it for this week!
Peace, Love and Photos.
Jono x
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