loopyloulaura

I never thought I’d get married. I’ve never wanted the big white wedding. I haven’t been to a wedding in ages!

I was probably a little naive thinking that picking a ceremony would be easy (and cheap!)

My initial thought was that I wanted a church wedding. I have a strong personal faith but the emphasis is on personal. Chris on the other hand is an atheist. We have made promises or vows to each other in the past in private and they are as valid for me as anything declared before an altar.

So the idea of a church was pushed aside and instead we began looking for a venue that could cater for the ceremony as well as the reception.

We then booked the registrar and I couldn’t believe the cost! Over £550! Plus you have to pay about £70 to give notice of the marriage.

Then we had an issue with trying to book the giving notice. Our ceremony is is Surrey. The registrar is from Surrey. Our postal address is Surrey. But we physically live in Hampshire so trying to arrange the appointment added extra stress!

The ceremonies provided by the registrar vary so you can change the length and adapt the wording to suit. I admit to crying as I read through the different options and imagined Chris and I saying them to each other.

Music and readings for the ceremony must not include any mention of any kind of faith and every detail needs to be approved by the registry office a minimum of 6 weeks before the big day. It is much more regimented than I ever imagined!

I actually think that TV shows and popular culture (Vegas!) have led me to believe that getting married is easy. When we considered getting married by eloping, we thought we could just turn up somewhere and get it done!

Have you ever arranged a wedding? Were you surprised by the cost and requirements?