Charlotte Winship :: Tuesday 22nd November 2022 :: Latest Blog Posts
After a robust campaign by members of the wedding industry, interfaith community and wider public, the Government announced that civil outdoor wedding ceremonies and partnerships at licensed venues will be made permanently legal in England and Wales from April 2022*.
This is exciting news for the wedding industry and opens the door for couples to plan their dream outdoor Summer wedding.
What does this mean for couples getting married at Hope Farm?
We know that our couples are often looking for more meaningful ways to personalise their wedding and this change will give them greater choice and freedom to create a more authentic ceremony. Our Walled Garden is already a popular place for outdoor wedding ceremonies offering a spacious yet intimate setting for up to 120 guests. The Oak Framed Arbour creates a stunning backdrop for you to exchange your vows with views across the fields beyond. The new legislation will allow you to explore other outdoor areas around the farm for your wedding ceremony such as the lakeside, paddocks or terrace.
And if the great British weather disappoints, Hope Barn offers an equally impressive indoor option for your wedding ceremony. From wool shed to wedding venue! We converted this barn ourselves incorporating floor to ceiling windows to let natural light pour in and offer views of the surrounding hills. The mix of metallic and wood finishes create a modern space that is a perfect blank canvas for you to imprint your own style and personality.
A legal marriage ceremony must be officiated by a Registrar and you will need to contact Dorset Registry Office** to book a Registrar. You will also be required to give at least 29 days notice of your intention to marry in person at your local Registry Office and will be asked to provide identification documents. The ceremony must also include specific vows and be free of any religious influence.
If you are already legally married then you may want to hold a symbolic marriage or partnership ceremony. This can be officiated by a celebrant chosen by you and you can design it to be personal to you with any words or music.
The team at Hope Farm are here to ensure you have the happiest wedding day however you choose to marry whether you are planning an outdoor wedding ceremony or an indoor wedding ceremony. If you have any queries or questions about any part of your wedding ceremony or wedding day then please do get in touch.
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force on 6th April 2022.
For more information visit:
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/outdoor-civil-weddings-and-civil-partnerships-made-permanent
**https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages/weddings-marriages-and-civil-partnerships