You will need to make available two people to act as witnesses. They can be any two people who are able to speak and understand English.
There is no lower age limit for witnesses but they must be old enough to understand what is taking place and be able to testify to what they have seen and heard should this be necessary.
In cases of doubt, it is advisable to have an additional adult witness.
If an interpreter has been used during the ceremony, they must sign the schedule as one of the witnesses.
For fire regulations, safety, and comfort, the number of guests (which includes all babies and children) must not exceed the capacity of the room. Additional guests that exceed the official capacity will be excluded from the ceremony.
Details of the room capacity for all venues can be found on our website and venue licence. The numbers shown are the numbers of guests you may invite and excludes registration staff, photographer, venue staff and the couple.
No food or drink (including alcohol) are permitted in the room where the ceremony is to take place one hour before, and during the proceedings.
Scripts
There will be four scripts available for your ceremony. You will be sent a confirmation pack with the texts once you have booked and given notice.
We are more than happy for you to include short readings, or amended the scripts as long as the legal wording is retained. More details will be supplied to you once you have booked and given notice.
How long does a ceremony last?
Your ceremony will last approximately half an hour, but this could be longer depending on how you personalise your ceremony.
Do we have to exchange rings?
Rings are not a legal requirement, so it is your choice whether to use them.
Music at your ceremony
Live music is welcomed during ceremonies but it must not cause a disturbance to the ceremony or the area surrounding your ceremony location. Any music you chose to have must have no religious references or connections. (This is a legal requirement).
Please speak to the venue about playing recorded music at your ceremony. Our top tip would be to have a backup plan and bring a cd or usb with songs just in case of any technical glitches.
Videos and Photographs
For guests who are not able to be at your ceremony in person, you are more than welcome to live stream or record your ceremony if you would like. We advise you check with your venue about arranging this. All we ask is that the recording person/equipment is not disruptive.
Photographs, video and audio recordings can be done throughout the ceremony, as long as they do not interfere with the ceremony.
Our Ceremonies team take great pleasure in seeing the results of their assistance to our couples, so please do share your ceremony pictures with us.
Print off, sign and return our Photo Consent Form PDF to tietheknot@camden.gov.uk to give us permission to use them on our website, to show other couples what a ceremony in Camden looks like.
On your arrival a registrar will invite both of you for a private interview to check the information you gave at notice.
Make sure you check your details on the day very carefully. Once you have signed, any errors are expensive and time consuming to correct.
During the ceremony, you will sign a document known as a schedule. After the ceremony, the details from the schedule will be uploaded to the electronic register, and a certificate will be posted to your home address within 14 working days.
Additional certificates cost £11, and can be purchased by placing an order online.
We welcome any feedback, comments or suggestions you may have on how we can improve ceremonies for you before during or after.
If there are things we do well or things we could have done differently please let us know by emailing tietheknot@camden.gov.uk please include your names, date, time and venue of your ceremony and the names of the registrar(s) if known.