Something extra special
We understand that some may wish to add something a little bit different to their ceremony, including a keepsake of your special day. Our enhanced ceremonies give you the option to include your own readings, live music, and more.
What is included in an enhanced ceremony?
Our enhanced ceremonies are available in Registration Offices and Approved Venues and provide you with a greater number of choices for your special day:
- Option of recorded and/or live music
- Your choice of music for the Seating of guests, Entrance, Signing and Exit
- Option for giving away
- Choice of legal declaratory words (Ceremony 1,2 or 3)
- Choice of legal contracting words (Ceremony 1,2 or 3)
- Option to add Promises (Selection from choices or personal)
- Option to exchange rings and choice of ring vows or personalised ring vows
- Up to two Readings
- Option to include sand ceremony or joining of hands reading
- Meeting with Registrar to discuss ceremony details (30 minutes)
- Liaison with Registrar by email or phone
- Option to have more than two witnesses
NB. Dogs as Ring Bearers and all other requests are subject to permission of the Superintendent Registrar and the venue.
For more information please email us on registrarsenquiries@staffordshire.gov.uk, or to book, call us on 0300 111 8001.
Sand Ceremony
Sand Ceremonies are becoming popular and can add modern twist to a traditional ceremony. It can also be a wonderful way to show a visual representation of the joining of a couple or blending of families.
There will be three glass vessels in total. Two of them will be the same size, and each of them will be filled with sand, (a different colour in each one) to represent each of you. There will also be a larger glass bottle and each of you will take it in turns to pour your sand into it. This will form a beautiful design, created by the two of you. This is a representation as two become one.
Remember, it doesn’t matter how it ends up looking, because this keepsake is unique to you and provides a sentimental memory of your special day.
- We will provide the 3 vessels required for the ceremony
- You will take home the larger vessel
- We have 2 colours of sand
- You can provide your own sand – 250g each required
- We will guide you through the process
To book, call us on 0300 111 8001.
Important Note: Our sand ceremony is a secular non‑religious element that some couples choose to include within their civil marriage ceremony. The sand ceremony does not form part of the legal marriage, has no religious, spiritual, cultural or belief‑based meaning, and is included solely as a personal and visual way to mark your commitment.
Joining of Hands Ceremony
Joining of Hands Ceremonies can provide a modern quirky addition to the traditional ceremony and becoming increasingly popular. It shows the joining of two people by the holding of hands.
As we read your chosen promise you will each take hold of the ribbons or cords, pull them whilst releasing your hands. This will create a knot. Representing tying the knot. This is a beautiful way of representing two becoming one. How you hold your hands is your choice, there is no right or wrong way
Remember, it doesn’t matter how it ends up looking, because this keepsake is unique to you and provides a sentimental memory of your special day.
- You will need to provide the ribbon/cord
- A minimum of 2 pieces required
- Please ensure your ribbon/cord is a minimum of 1 metre each
- We will guide you through the process
To book, call us on 0300 111 8001.
Important Note: This element is a secular and symbolic addition to a civil marriage ceremony and is not connected to handfasting or any religious or belief‑based ritual. The hands are not bound, wrapped, or tied together. This is a visual symbol of unity and commitment and does not form part of the legal marriage. This element has no religious, spiritual, or cultural meaning and is included solely as a personal, non‑religious element within a civil ceremony.