Marriages and civil partnerships

We have a range of options for getting married or forming a civil partnership ranging from a simple registration to a fully bespoke ceremony.

On this page:

Enhanced ceremony

Enhanced ceremonies at approved premises or in our ceremony room can be as simple or as personal as you want.

In addition to your legal vows, you can:

choose to write an introduction to your ceremony full of personal elements or you can choose to have your ceremony registrar do this for you.
make promises to each that reflect you as a couple
include up to two readings or songs to involve friends and family and bring your personalities to your ceremony
include the music you love, either by creating a playlist or hire a live musician, band or choir. We generally recommend music while your guests assemble before the ceremony, when you make your entrance (or entrances), whilst you are signing the legal documents and when you exit the ceremony.

Simple ceremony

Simple ceremonies include personal and ring vows which can be selected from the options provided or you can write your own. You can bring your personalities to the ceremony by including music for your entrance (or entrances), whilst you are signing the legal documents and when you exit the ceremony.

Simple registration

A registration will comprise of the couple, two witnesses and the registration officers conducting the legal requirements for the registration (No other guests, dependents or minors however young are able to attend this registration).

The registration will take place in our designated office at Pembrokeshire Archives. Simple registrations are available on Tuesdays.

Marriage registrations include the speaking of legal vows while civil partnership registrations do not require the speaking of any legal vows, but you can have the option to speak the legal declaration.

As well as your legal vows, if you wish to exchange rings there are a selection of vows to choose from. Your witnesses are free to take photographs.

Although fuss-free, a registration is still an occasion where you can make your legal commitment to each other.

Bespoke ceremonies

While our enhanced ceremonies allow you to create a very personal ceremony, if you want to go a step further and create a truly unique ceremony our bespoke service gives you the option to tailor every aspect of your ceremony.

Here are some bespoke ceremony ideas

Tying the knot

The tying of the fisherman’s knot is a beautiful tradition that can be woven into your ceremony. Otherwise known as the lover’s knot, the fisherman’s knot is one of the strongest knots there is. The knot becomes stronger under pressure which signifies the enduring love and commitment you have for each other.

There are many ways you can include this in your ceremony. You can use a single rope or cord, two separate pieces, or a single piece that has been woven from different colours. As you pull on the ends of the rope, the knot tightens and will not come undone. This represents the strength of your bond as a couple.

Sand blending

Sand blending involves the pouring of different coloured sands into one vessel, which represents the joining of individuals into one inseparable unit. Children can also be included symbolising joining together as a family.

The colours of the sand you choose can be personal to you both.

One option could be that you take it in turns to pour sand from your own individual vessel into a central vessel creating a layering effect. Together you then pour the remaining sand into the central vessel so that the two colours combine and cannot be separated. This symbolises your unity in marriage.

After the ceremony you will then have a beautiful symbol of your love that you can display and keep forever.

Ring warming

A ring warming ceremony can be a lovely way for your family and friends to participate in your wedding. The wedding rings are passed to your guests and held for a few seconds so they can ‘warm’ the rings with positivity and good wishes for your life together.

Your wedding rings become a symbol not only of your commitment to each other, but of the love and support you have around you.

We are open to requests and will work with you to create a ceremony that celebrates your individuality whilst also being legal and official.

For more information please contact:

Tel 01437 775176
Email ceremonies@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Marriages and Civil Partnerships