We want to make your wedding day special, so please let us know your wishes. Our staff are here to help in any way we can so that your ceremony is a relaxed and enjoyable occasion. When your arrive at the office please speak either to the registration staff or the usher on duty if you have any problems or concerns.
The following information is a general outline of what will happen at your marriage. You do not need to learn any of the words - the Superintendent Registrar will guide you through the ceremony and will, as far as possible, make sure that your ceremony reflects your wishes.
Time of ceremony
All your guests should be ready in the building 5-10 minutes before the time of your marriage. We need to keep to the timetable for marriages as any delay can impact on later marriages. If we are unable to start your ceremony in good time it may mean that we have to delay your wedding until other ceremonies are completed.
Before the ceremony begins the registrar will need to check that the information you provided when you gave notice has not changed. You will also both be asked to state the full name and surname of your natural or legally adoptive father, his occupation and whether he is retired or deceased. This will take about 5-10 minutes and is carried out in one of our interview rooms, where there is a mirror for any last minute adjustments. During this time your guests will be asked to take a seat in the marriage room.
The ceremony
Your ceremony should be dignified but an enjoyable and memorable occasion for you and your guests. All couples marrying at Leeds Register Office are given the opportunity to enhance their marriage ceremony - they may choose from a selection of marriage ceremonies - see choice of ceremonies and can include one reading or piece of poetry - see readings and poems. Please ensure that any enhancements to your ceremony have been agreed well in advance by the Superintendent Registrar
You do not have to exchange ring(s) as part of the ceremony if you prefer not to, although most couples choose to include it as a traditional part of their marriage.
Once you have been married you will both be asked to check that the Marriage Register entry is correct. You will both then be asked to sign the register in your usual signature.
Witnesses
You must have at least two witnesses to your marriage, otherwise your marriage cannot take place. They may be friends or relatives, but they should be over the age of 16 and be able to hear and understand the nature of the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony they will be asked to sign the register.
Music
Music is normally played during parts of the ceremony (see music, readings and poems), unless you request otherwise. You can provide your own music (on CD please). The music must have no religious connotation due to the civil nature of the marriage.
Photography and video
A video camera may be used and photographs may be taken during the ceremony provided that it is not a distraction to the bride and groom. Please discuss your requirements with the Superintendent Registrar prior to your ceremony, although it is usually preferable to wait until the end of the ceremony when there will be plenty of time for photographs.
If you are having an official photographer taking photographs of your arrival, eg stepping out of the car, you need to allow time for this before you see the Registrar.
Flowers
Fresh flowers are displayed in both marriage rooms and in the waiting area at Leeds Register Office. You may however supply your own floral arrangements, if you wish.
Bookings
If you wish to make a booking to give a notice of marriage please contact us on Tel:0113 2224408