Getting married – the legal bit.
Couples are required to give the Registrar notice of their intention to marry. To legally marry in England, you only need a very short civil signing at a registry office. You will make a short declaration and sign your legal marriage contract in front of two witnesses. A standard signing-only ceremony normally costs between £45 and £60, and you would usually do this prior to your Heartbeat Ceremonies event.
In order for a marriage to become legally recognised in the UK, only the Declaratory Words and the Contracting Words need to be said. You don’t need to get dressed up for this.
Declaratory Words “I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (partners name)”
Contracting Words “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (your name) do take thee (partners name) to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)”
These words have to be said in a Registry Office or licenced venue, in front of two independent witnesses and a registrar.
Anything else which happens in a Registry Office ceremony, such as exchanging rings or saying vows is purely ceremonial. You don’t need to speak vows or exchange rings at this stage. In fact I strongly suggest that you save both of these for your ceremony, giving you the opportunity to share these powerfully romantic acts with your family and friends.
https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships
Changing your name
Please follow this link for information in respect of changing your name.
https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll
