Whether you’re planning a celebration with everyone you love or something small and simple, we’re here to help you make it yours.
Our friendly, experienced team will guide you through your options and the legal arrangements, so you can look forward to your day with confidence.
Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership? What's the difference?
A civil marriage is a ceremony that takes place with 2 registrars present (one to conduct the ceremony and one to complete legal paperwork). It is a spoken contract witnessed by 2 people and has no religious content, the ceremony can take place in an approved premise or a register office but because of the spoken nature of the contract it is not possible to just come in and sign the paperwork. A civil marriage is called a wedding. After the ceremony, you will be either a husband or wife and will go by the title of Mr or Mrs, whether you choose to have the same surname or not.
A Civil Partnership is a written contract between 2 people, with 2 witnesses. You do not have to say anything at all if you do not wish to, you can just sign the paperwork or you can have a personalised ceremony. After a civil partnership formation, you will legally be known as Civil Partners. If you are a heterosexual couple and you change your mind about being in a civil partnership you CANNOT convert to a marriage. To end a civil partnership the process is the same as ending a marriage but instead of being called divorce it is called a dissolution.
A civil marriage and a civil partnership have the same legal standing for couples in this country but Civil Partnerships are not recognised in many countries abroad so if you intend living outside of the UK in the future please do not presume you will have the same legal rights as a married couple and you should seek professional legal advice for further guidance.
If you would like to convert your civil partnership to a marriage, please contact us here.
Find the right setting for you
Our Ceremony Rooms
From intimate celebrations to occasions with more guests, explore our ceremony rooms across Cambridgeshire and find a setting that suits you :-
Explore our ceremony rooms and prices
Already imagining your day at a hotel, historic house or another special setting? Choose from Cambridgeshire’s licensed wedding venues and book our registrars to conduct your marriage or civil partnership.
Explore approved venues and ceremony options
A Statutory Ceremony - Legal Essentials Only
Our statutory appointment is a short, basic appointment for couples who want to complete the legal requirements without any personalisation. It takes place in a working office at Cambridgeshire Register Office on Tuesday mornings, rather than in one of our ceremony rooms.
Attendance is strictly limited to the couple and two witnesses. We cannot accommodate any additional guests.
There is no option to add personal vows, readings, music or other ceremony enhancements.
If you would like guests to share the occasion, a choice of setting or the opportunity to personalise your ceremony, please explore our ceremony rooms or approved venue options instead.
Please choose carefully before booking. A statutory appointment cannot be expanded on the day to accommodate guests or additional ceremony elements. If you later decide you would prefer a different option, please contact us as early as possible. Changes are subject to availability, our booking terms, and may not be possible close to your appointment due to notice of marriage requirements. A Statutory ceremony can be booked on the button above.
Looking For A Bespoke Celebrant Ceremony?
A ceremony created around you, led by someone who knows your story, with your legal marriage arrangements taken care of by the same trusted service.
Our bespoke service combines the creativity and personal attention of a dedicated celebrant with the expertise and experience of Cambridgeshire Registration Service. You won’t need to find a separate provider for the legal part or struggle with dates, we’ll guide you through both.
Your celebrant will get to know you, work with you on your ceremony script and conduct your legal ceremony and your personalised celebration on the day. From personal vows and favourite readings to handfasting or involving your family, we’ll help you create moments that mean something to you.
And your celebration doesn’t have to be at a licensed venue. A garden, woodland or another special setting could be the perfect place, with your legal marriage completed effortlessly.
Your own celebrant. Your personal celebration. One experienced team you can trust bringing it all together.
"We were looked after by Gillian and the team in Cambridge for our wedding. She was incredible. She completely matched what we were looking for and she was warm, approachable and really 'got' us. We could not fault the service provided by the entire team. It was very memorable, and we will remember Gill for a very long time as being a significant part of our day."
Planning a religious wedding?
Please contact your chosen religious venue first to discuss its requirements and arrangements. Depending on the venue, you may also need to arrange for a registrar to attend.
Contact us about registrar attendance at a religious wedding