Registry Office Ceremony Guide

If you’re looking to get married on a budget, keep your wedding short and sweet, or you’re simply not interested in having a large or lavish wedding, a registry office wedding ceremony is a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding ceremony.

But, what exactly happens at a registry office wedding ceremony? How much do they cost, how long are they and how do you organize one? There are a lot of questions about them and how they compare to other more traditional or religious ceremonies. You might not be sure whether they’re right for you.

If you’re looking to plan your own registry office wedding or figure out if one fits the vision you have for your big day, then this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know so you can plan a fabulous registry office ceremony. 

What is a registry office wedding ceremony?

A registry office wedding in Canada is a civil ceremony conducted in a government-authorized location, such as a municipal office or city hall. These offices handle civil matters like birth and death registrations, adoptions, and marriages.

While registry offices are working government spaces, the rooms used for weddings are often thoughtfully designed and decorated to create a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Some locations even feature scenic grounds or gardens that provide a charming backdrop for your special day. So, don’t let the term “office” deter you — registry office ceremonies can be held in beautiful settings. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget or prefer a more intimate celebration, visiting your local registry office to explore the space is well worth it.

Though registry office weddings are typically short and non-religious, they’re no less memorable or romantic. While the structure of the ceremony is usually consistent, you’ll still have opportunities to personalize it and make it uniquely yours.

How popular are registry office wedding ceremonies?

Civil ceremonies, including those at registry offices, are a common choice for many Canadian couples.

What type of couples usually choose a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office wedding ceremonies can’t contain any references to God or religion, including hymns, readings or references in vows, they’re a common choice for couples with no religious beliefs or couples with mixed beliefs. If you have religious beliefs and would like there to be references to them in your wedding ceremony, you unfortunately can’t get married at a registry office. However, if you do have religious beliefs and you’re happy for there not to be religious elements to your ceremony, you’re of course more than welcome to get married at a registry office.

Because registry office weddings are short and inexpensive, they’re a popular choice for couples who have smaller budgets or don’t want the fuss associated with larger weddings.

Are registry office weddings expensive?

In Canada, a civil ceremony, often held at a registry office or municipal office, is one of the most affordable ways to get married. While costs can vary depending on the province or territory, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to the national average cost of a wedding, which can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars. This makes civil ceremonies an excellent choice for couples looking to celebrate their love without breaking the bank.

The cost of a civil ceremony in Canada typically starts with a basic fee for the ceremony itself, which can range from $75 to $400, depending on the location and whether you choose a weekday or weekend date. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to get married – especially when you consider the average overall cost of a wedding in Canada is a whopping $30,000. That means, if you’re excited to get married but only have a small budget, you can still have a beautiful and memorable ceremony. Some registry offices also offer slightly larger ceremony rooms for an additional fee to accommodate more guests. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on factors like timing and location.

Additional costs, such as a small reception or celebratory meal afterward, can increase your budget, but there are plenty of ways to keep expenses manageable. Civil ceremonies are also highly customizable, so you can adjust the scale and details of your day to suit both your style and budget.

Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways you can personalize a registry office wedding ceremony, which means this figure can go up or down. For example, the basic fee for a civil ceremony at a registry office in Canada typically starts at around $75, but you might opt for a larger ceremony room to accommodate more guests, which could cost upwards of $200. Additionally, choosing to get married on a Saturday or Sunday may incur higher fees compared to a weekday ceremony.

Of course, it also depends on whether you choose to have a reception or breakfast after the wedding. The more you plan, the more expensive it’s going to be.

Who officiates a registry office wedding ceremony?

A registry office wedding ceremony is usually officiated by a registrar who works at the registry office. Two registrars will attend the ceremony, with one taking the reins to officiate.

To make your ceremony more personalized, you may wish to hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding. However, this isn’t common. While a celebrant is a fantastic addition to a wedding, the additional personalization means the ceremony will last much longer, which means it’ll cost more – plus the cost of the celebrant themselves. If you’d like a celebrant to officiate your wedding, a traditional wedding ceremony may suit your vision a little more closely.

Where are registry office wedding ceremonies held?

As you might expect, a registry office wedding is held in specific ceremony rooms within government registry office buildings. There’s often a choice of rooms that can suit different budgets and accommodate different numbers of guests.

How long are registry office wedding ceremonies?

Wedding ceremonies that take place at a registry office are among the shortest ceremonies there are, with most taking just 10 or 15 minutes. They may take a little longer if you choose to have a loved one perform a reading, but because there can’t be references to religion, they’re usually much shorter than other types of wedding ceremonies.

As well as being a momentous and romantic moment in your lives, a wedding is also a legal process. Registry office weddings mostly focus on the legal aspect of getting married, which is why they’re so much shorter than other weddings. For example, a traditional wedding ceremony or Catholic wedding ceremony may last an hour or so, and a Hindu wedding ceremony might last around 90 minutes or longer.

Do you need to give notice before a registry office wedding?

When does a registry office wedding ceremony take place?

Registry offices can host multiple weddings each day, with the timing of ceremonies depending on the specific office, the number of available rooms, and the availability of officiants. While some ceremonies may take place around lunchtime, they are more commonly scheduled in the early afternoon, often starting on the hour.

You’ll typically have the option to choose your wedding day, as many registry offices offer ceremonies seven days a week. However, weekends are the most popular choice for couples, which can make it more challenging to secure a weekend date — especially if your wedding is planned in the near future.

For more guidance, check out our article on creating the perfect wedding day timeline, which outlines what happens and when on your special day.

Can you include a reading or hymn at a registry office wedding ceremony?

You can include readings or songs at your registry office ceremony, but they must not include any religious content. Many couples choose to ask a loved one to perform a reading, which might be a poem, extract or song lyrics. However, because most hymns sung at weddings are religious, it’s not common for there to be hymns at a registry office wedding. 

Can you have a photographer at a registry office wedding?

Yes, you absolutely can have a photographer at a registry office wedding. Because the ceremony is short, you should be able to secure decent rates for a professional photographer and pay way less than you might for a traditional wedding.

The only thing to note is that in some provinces and territories, the photographer won’t be allowed to take photographs as you sign the register, but you can pose for photographs with the register afterward. If you plan on having the famous wedding confetti shot, make sure you check with the registrar first as there can be restrictions surrounding this.

What words are exchanged at a registry office wedding ceremony?

The words you speak at your wedding are hugely personal because it’s a promise and commitment to your partner about how you’re going to spend the rest of your life with them. This is why it’s important to think carefully about what you’d like to say at your wedding.

Thankfully, there’s a fair amount of flexibility offered when it comes to the words you can say at your wedding. You may wish to say the words fed to you by the officiant, but you can write your own vows if you’d like them to be more personal. However, it’s important to note that you’re unable to reference religion and the vows must be reviewed by the registrar before the ceremony.

As we’ve already highlighted, a registry office wedding is a short and legal process, so the majority of the words spoken by you (unless you choose otherwise) mainly cover this. This includes the declaratory and contracting words, which are the non-negotiable parts of what you’ll say. These words are usually as follows:

Declaratory words

“I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful reason why I [YOUR FULL NAME] may not be joined in matrimony to [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME].”

Contracting words

“I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, [YOUR FULL NAME], do take thee [YOUR PARTNER’S FULL NAME] to be my lawful wedded [WIFE/HUSBAND/SPOUSE/PARTNER IN MARRIAGE].”

What traditions are there at a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office weddings are usually on the shorter side, there aren’t as many traditions as there are at traditional or religious ceremonies. That being said, there are still some traditions, which are usually similar to that of a traditional ceremony. These include:

• The processional, when you walk down the aisle. However, because registry office weddings are much smaller than other wedding types, the processional is also much smaller.
• Wedding attire, such as the customary white dress or suit.
• The exchanging of the rings, which are traditionally held for safekeeping by the best man.
• Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
• The confetti shot, which you will need to check with the registrar beforehand.

Which traditions you choose to uphold are down to you – it’s your wedding, after all. Only the parts of the ceremony that are legal have to be followed, so there’s usually a lot of wiggle room when it comes to everything else.

What do you wear at a registry office wedding?

The great thing about a registry office wedding is that there aren’t as many expectations as there can be with traditional weddings. So, you’re free to wear whatever you like, whether it’s a white bridal dress, suit, formalwear, or something a lot more casual. Just remember to communicate with each other and let your guests know your plans.

What is the order at a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because a civil ceremony at a registry office is typically brief, it focuses on the most essential and legally required elements of a traditional wedding. The ceremony is designed to efficiently cover the key aspects while still being meaningful.

A civil wedding ceremony will generally follow a structure similar to this (excluding the prior step of obtaining a marriage licence, which must be done in advance according to local regulations):

1. Pre-ceremony meeting

Before the ceremony can begin, you and your partner will meet with the registrar to make sure all the details are correct and you’re happy for the wedding to take place. You must both meet with the registrar, which can either be done separately or together.

2. The processional

Registry office ceremonies are often intimate, so the processional will be relatively short. That being said, you can include as many participants as you like, so if you’d like bridesmaids, groomsmen and even a page boy or flower girl, you absolutely can. The processional begins with the music of your choice playing (which can’t be religious in any way).

3. The welcome

Once you’re both at the front and your loved ones have taken their seats, the officiant will welcome everyone to the ceremony and say a few words about marriage and commitment.

4. The legal declaration and contracting vows

This is the legal part of the process, when you’ll repeat lines fed to you by the registrar.

5. The readings

Registry office ceremonies are short, but you’re still welcome to include a non-religious reading if you wish, which can be performed by the guest of your choosing (just make sure you ask them ahead of time).

6. The exchanging of the rings

The registrar will ask you (or your best man) for the rings. You’ll then exchange a few more words which the registrar can feed you, or you could read vows you’ve written yourself, as you give each other the rings.

7. The declaration of marriage and first kiss

Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting so long for – the registrar declares you married! You’ll also be invited to share your first kiss as your family and friends applaud (and shed a tear or two).

8. The signing of the register

You’ll be asked to sign the register to make your marriage legal and official, in the company of the two witnesses you’ll have asked ahead of the wedding. While this happens, music plays to entertain your guests (who will be all too happy to wait).

9. The photographs

The two of you are encouraged to pose for photographs with the marriage certificate, which can be official photographs if you’ve hired a photographer or your loved ones with their own cameras.

10. The recessional

The registrar will announce that the ceremony’s over and invite your guests to join you for the breakfast or reception (if you’ve chosen to have one at all). You’ll then leave the venue as music plays, and head outside for more photographs.

How do you book a registry office wedding ceremony?

Booking a civil ceremony at a registry office is a straightforward process. Start by contacting your local municipal office or licensing agent to obtain a marriage licence, which must be issued in advance. Most provinces require the licence to be obtained within a specific timeframe — usually no more than 90 days before the wedding date.

Once you have your licence, you can contact the registry office or municipal office to book your ceremony. Discuss available dates and times, and choose the option that works best for you. Some offices may allow you to secure your booking online or over the phone, making the process even more convenient.

Who plans a registry office wedding ceremony?

Because registry office weddings are often small in scale and more affordable than other types of weddings, it’s common for most couples to plan their ceremony themselves. You can hire a wedding planner if you wish, but the costs involved mean you’re not likely to experience much benefit. Plus, there are certain legal steps you have to do yourself, which means you’ll have to be fairly hands-on with the planning process.

What comes after a registry office wedding ceremony?

Once your registry office ceremony is over and you and your partner are legally married, what you do next is entirely up to you. If you have the budget and inclination, you might want to celebrate your marriage with a meal or party, or have a traditional wedding breakfast. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget.

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Happy Planning!