Order of ceremony for a marriage

Pre-registration schedule check by Marriage Registrar
Welcome by the Celebrant Registrar
Opportunity for a reading, poem or music
Opening words
Legal declarations
Opportunity for personal vows
Exchange of rings
Opportunity for reading, poem or music
Pronouncement and congratulations
You and your witnesses will sign the schedule and commemorative certificate.
Brief opportunity for photographs
Closing words
Presentation of commemorative certificate

Legal Declarations (vows)

Two legal declarations must be spoken by each party to the marriage – these will be repeated after the registrar. You can choose whether you wish to use the modern, traditional or short versions of the declarations.

First declaration

Modern: I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (name) may not be joined in marriage to (name)

Or

Traditional: I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (name) may not be joined in matrimony to (name)

Or

Short: Registrar asks ‘Are you (name) free lawfully to marry (name)’ – answer ‘I am’

Second Declaration

Modern/Short: I (name) take you (name) to be my wedded wife/husband

Or

Traditional: I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (name) do take thee (name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband

Exchanging rings

Many couples choose to include the exchange of rings in their ceremony. The wedding ring is usually placed on the third finger of the left hand of the bride or groom. This is a traditional declaration of commitment to each other.