Planning your wedding in South Wales? One of the most confusing parts for many couples is understanding how the registrars work and what you actually need to do to legally get married.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process step-by-step, based on official guidance from Caerphilly Registrars, so you know exactly what to expect and can plan your day with confidence.

What Do Wedding Registrars Actually Do?

When you have a civil wedding ceremony, two registrars will attend your wedding.

One will conduct the ceremony and guide you through the legal wording, while the other will complete the legal paperwork to officially register your marriage

It’s something many couples don’t realise until later in the planning process—but it’s a key part of making your marriage legally binding.

Step 1 – Book Your Venue First

Before you can book your registrars, you’ll need to confirm your wedding venue and preferred date.

This is really important, as the registrars need those details before they can secure your ceremony booking

From our experience, this is one of the most common areas where couples get confused—so always start with your venue first.

If you’re still looking for a venue, you can explore our wedding packages here.

Step 2 – Contact the Registrars

Once your venue is secured, the next step is to contact your local registration service.

For couples getting married in Caerphilly, you’ll need to contact Caerphilly Registrars to check availability and provisionally book your ceremony.

There is currently a £25 non-refundable ‘save the date’ fee to secure your ceremony time

The earlier you do this, the more choice you’ll have when it comes to ceremony times.

Step 3 – Giving Notice of Marriage

This is one of the most important steps—and one that can easily catch couples out if left too late.

‘Giving notice’ is the legal process where you confirm your intention to marry.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You can give notice up to 12 months before your wedding
• You must give notice at least 28 days before the ceremony
• It’s recommended to do this around 6 months before your wedding

You’ll need to attend an appointment in the district where you live and bring documents to prove your identity, nationality, and eligibility to marry.

How Much Do Wedding Registrars Cost?

Registrar fees are separate from your venue costs and are set by the local authority.

For Caerphilly (2026 pricing), you can expect:

• Weekday ceremony: approx. £367.50
• Weekend ceremony: approx. £532.50
• Notice of marriage: approx. £42 per person (rising to £46.50)

These fees can change, so it’s always worth checking the latest figures when planning your wedding.

What Happens During the Ceremony?

During a civil ceremony, there are a few legal requirements:

• You must say specific legal vows to make the marriage official
• The ceremony must not include religious content
• Music, readings, and personal touches are allowed

Civil ceremonies can be personalised, but they must follow a legal framework to ensure the marriage is valid

Can You Personalise Your Ceremony?

Absolutely—and this is where your wedding really becomes your own.

You can include:

• Personal readings
• Music (non-religious)
• Handfasting
• Different languages within the ceremony
• Outdoor ceremonies (weather permitting)

Most couples are surprised by how flexible the ceremony can be.

Common Mistakes Couples Make with Registrars

From our experience, here are the most common pitfalls:

• Leaving the registrar booking too late
• Not understanding the ‘notice’ process
• Assuming registrars are included in venue pricing
• Not preparing documents in advance

Getting these details right early on makes the whole process much smoother.

Final Advice from a Venue That’s Hosted Over 1,000 Weddings

The couples who have the most relaxed and enjoyable wedding days are the ones who get the legal side sorted early.

Once your registrars are booked and your notice is given, everything else becomes much simpler—and you can focus on the exciting parts of planning your wedding.

Planning Your Wedding in South Wales?

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue in South Wales with a team that guides you through every step of the process, we’d love to help.

👉 Book a viewing today or explore our wedding packages to start planning your perfect day.