Celebrate in - Buckinghamshire County Council

Transcription

Celebrate in - Buckinghamshire County Council
Celebrate in
Buckinghamshire
CIVIL MARRIAGES
CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
RENEWING VOWS
CEREMONY OF NAMING
NATIONALITY CHECKING
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES
Welcome
Nigel Harper
Firstly, mAny conGrAtulAtions on your ForthcominG cElEbrAtions
We are delighted that you have chosen the beautiful and charming county of Buckinghamshire
for your ceremony. We have over 70 wonderful licensed venues and three excellent registration
offices conveniently located throughout the County offering you great flexibility and choice.
This publication has been created to help guide you through the legal formalities and personal
choices in planning your special day. Our experienced and professional staff will do everything
they can to ensure that your ceremony is everything you would wish it to be, and becomes a
lasting and wonderful memory for you and your guests.
Buckinghamshire registration service
Inside
4-5
8-9
10 - 11
12 - 13
14 - 15
16 - 17
18 - 19
20
24 - 26
28 - 29
Buckinghamshire - the county
Planning your wedding
Notice of marriage, fees
Organising your wedding day
Before your wedding
The day of your wedding
The marriage ceremony
Your wedding checklist
Civil partnerships
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32
33
34 - 35
38
39
40
41
42
Map of Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire Register Office, Aylesbury
High Wycombe Library Registration Office
Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office
Renewing vows
Ceremony of naming
Nationality checking service
Citizenship ceremonies
Customer service standards
Licensed venues in the county
Published by: Buckinghamshire Registration Service,
Buckinghamshire Register Office, County Hall,
Aylesbury HP20 1XF. Telephone: 01296 383005
e-mail: [email protected]
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
Designed and produced by: The Design Place,
23 Mitchell Hill, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1ED.
Telephone: 01872 271414
e-mail: [email protected]
www.the-design-place.co.uk
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Photographs courtesy of:
Just Shoot Me Photography,
Nigel Harper, Marion Mason Images,
Photopro, SoPhoto, Stephen Thorpe.
Front cover photographs:
Just Shoot Me Photography
‘‘ ’’
Excellent Service.
Thank You.
Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without
the written consent of the publisher. All information
is correct at the time of print. 䊚 2013
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Come and celebrate your special
day in beautiful Buckinghamshire
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
a great place to celebrate
W
hatever the occasion, be it a wedding, civil
partnership, renewal of vows or a naming
ceremony, buckinghamshire is sure to offer a location
to suit you, your family and friends. you could choose
a small intimate venue in a tiny hamlet or a grand
stately home or manor house with sweeping grounds
and ornate gardens steeped in history.
stone’s throw from unspoilt chiltern landscape, with
rolling hills, beech woods and red kites soaring in the
skies above.
buckinghamshire is a county of contrasts with an
abundance of history and heritage, culture and
countryside.
the award winning chiltern railway line serves
beaconsfield, high Wycombe, Princes risborough and
haddenham en-route to bicester and birmingham,
whilst the Aylesbury line passes through latimer,
Amersham, Great missenden, Wendover and stoke
mandeville. the beautiful views through the carriage
window are a delight to the eye.
in the south of the county the thames Valley
meets the chilterns. this delightful area is within
the metropolitan green belt, and metroland is
immortalised in the poetry of John betjeman. the
river thames attracts many visitors to marlow with
its independent shops and cafes; and yet it is only a
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high Wycombe, historically a chair making town, has a
new shopping centre and many facilities for residents
and visitors alike.
With excellent motorway links and easy connections to
airports, travel in buckinghamshire could not be easier.
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Left page: The Vale of Aylesbury, Windmill at Brill,
Temple of Music - West Wycombe Park
This page (top row): Grand Union Canal - Marsworth to Wolverton,
The Palladian Bridge - Stowe Landscape Gardens, Bluebell Woods;
(bottom row):The Thames at Marlow, The Chiltern Hills
B
uckinghamshire is blessed with an extensive
network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle
paths. the ridgeway Path passes through the county
affording fantastic views from many points. the
Wendover and Aylesbury arms of the Grand
union canal used to provide transportation through
buckinghamshire but are now mainly used for
leisure, and are havens for wildlife.
in the north is the former county town of
buckingham once famous for lace making and
now home of britain’s only independent university.
the villages in the Vale of Aylesbury have a
character of their own and offer a variety of venues.
Florence nightingale and benjamin Disraeli both
lived in buckinghamshire, as have many actors,
politicians and pop stars.
the county has many national trust properties all
of which have strong links with historical figures
and events. there are sports centres, garden centres
and golf courses galore, but for those who prefer
a slower pace of life buckinghamshire provides the
habitat for many wild species of plants and animals,
some of which are protected. these include bats
and the edible dormouse or glis glis. roman snails,
also edible, can be seen on the chalky slopes of the
chiltern hills along with glow worms and many
wild flowers such as orchids and wild marjoram.
the bluebell woods in the spring often provide
inspiration for the many artists and photographers
who live in the county.
So come and celebrate in beautiful
Buckinghamshire, you will not be
disappointed!
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
Red Kite over The Chilterns
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‘‘
We would like to thank your
staff for making our day so
special and relaxed
’’
PLANNINg YOuR
WEDDINg
Just Shoot Me Photography
Photopro
Y
ou may marry in our ceremony rooms in
Aylesbury, beaconsfield and high Wycombe
or in one of the licensed venues of your choice.
in buckinghamshire, we have over 60 licensed venues
to choose from, providing beautiful and stunning
settings for civil weddings. many licensed venues
will also, if you wish, arrange your reception for you.
Preparing for your wedding day is exciting with so
many choices available to you - you may just want
a small wedding with a simple ceremony, or you may
want a theme to take account of the history and
architectural style of the venue you have chosen.
Perhaps you see yourself dressed in 18th century
style or maybe you see your guests enjoying the
reception on the terrace of a country house.
Whatever your choice, we are here to make your
wedding day special to you.
once you have chosen your venue and made a
provisional booking you need to contact us to
check the registrars are available on the day and
at the time you want. it is essential you do this
before making any other arrangements.
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Nigel Harper
bookings can be taken up to 24 months ahead of
time. to contact us please call - Aylesbury area
01296 382481 or Beaconsfield/Wycombe
area 01494 475092.
Please note - at the time of booking you will need to
pay a non-refundable booking fee.
you can marry on any day of the week, but we do
not work on christmas Day, boxing Day, new year’s
Day, Good Friday or Easter sunday.
before you can marry there are certain formalities
which are required by law. you must both attend
the register office in the district in which you live
to inform them of your intention to marry. this is
called giving notice (see page 10). A notice of
marriage may be given up to 12 months in advance
of the wedding day.
sAme sex mArriAge
For up-to-date information on same sex marriage
please visit the website for the Government
Equalities office at www.gov.uk/government/
organisations/government-equalities-office
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
CHANgES To Your PASSPORT
T
here are many things to organise when you are
getting married, but don't forget to notify the
passport authorities if you are changing your name.
Due to the recent increases in security measures, you
may no longer travel in your maiden name and have
your passport in your married name, or travel in your
married name with your passport in your maiden name.
It is not sufficient to take your marriage certificate as
a form of identification when you check-in. So if you
have recently married, but have not yet changed your
name in your passport, please ensure that any flight
booking is also made in your maiden name.
Both forms can also be downloaded from
www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information.
The Registrar conducting your ceremony will need to
complete the PD2 form for you. This should then be
sent to the Passport Office, together with the application
for a passport or amendment to your passport.
remember, if you are going abroad on honeymoon,
book any travel tickets in the name you will have in
your passport at the time of travelling.
You can change your passport details at any time up
to three months before the wedding, although you will
not be able to use your passport until the actual day
of your wedding. To do this you will need to apply to
the Passport Office for a new standard uK passport. Alternatively, the Passport Office will amend your
existing passport to show your future married name.
Application forms are available at Post Offices and
you will need to complete a PD2 form as well. RELIgIOuS
MARRIAgES
iF you ArE PlAnninG A church oF EnGlAnD WEDDinG you
shoulD contAct thE VicAr oF thE PArish WhErE you Wish
to mArry AnD your oWn VicAr iF DiFFErEnt
I
f you want to be married in the church of another Christian
denomination or in the church or building of another religion,
you must give Notice in the same way as for a marriage in a
register office or licensed venue.
If the church in which you intend to marry is not in the district
where you live, it must be the usual place of worship for one or
both of you.
If this is not the case you will need to create a residence in that
district – please phone us for advice on this.
Nigel Harper
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
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NOTICE of
MARRIAGE
Y
ou will each be required to attend in person to
give an individual Notice. If you both reside in
Buckinghamshire then you can attend either of
our offices to give Notice. If you reside in separate
registration districts, each of you will be required to give
Notice in the district in which you live. We are happy
to advise you further on any of these matters.
giving Notice means declaring that you are both free to
marry each other and you will be required to provide
certain documents. You may give Notice up to one year
before the date of your wedding. You will need to make
an appointment at the register office in the district in
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which you live. If you live in Buckinghamshire please call
either - Aylesbury area 01296 382481 or beaconsfield/
Wycombe area 01494 475092. If you live outside
Buckinghamshire and would like details of your local
office please do not hesitate to call us on either number.
When you give Notice, the Registrar will ask questions
about you and your partner. You will be asked for your
full names and addresses, your ages, whether either of
you has been married before, your occupations and your
nationalities. If you are not a British or EEA citizen, new
legislation may apply, so please contact us. You will also
have to specify the venue of your marriage.
Once notices have been given this cannot be changed, so
if you decide on a different venue you will have to give
new Notices and pay a further statutory fee for this.
It is necessary for you and your partner to give us proof
of identity. Passports should be used, but we may accept
two other documents, one of which should be a birth
certificate together with another document such as a
driving licence. If you have no passport and you were
born after 1st January 1983 you must produce a full
birth certificate showing your parents details to prove
nationality. You also need to provide proof of your
address. Please bring along a recently dated council tax
or utility bill or a bank statement.
if you arrive at the appointment without your
documentation we may not be able to take your notice.
Stephen Thorpre
If either of you has been married or formed a civil
partnership before, you will need documents to show
your last marriage or civil partnership has legally ended.
All documents must be originals and not photocopies.
Any person whose divorce or dissolution was granted in
England or Wales, must produce their Decree Absolute
bearing the original seal or stamp of the court. If the
divorce or dissolution took place in another country,
you should bring the original document. If either of you
is widowed, you will need to produce your late partner’s
death certificate.
Foreign documents should be accompanied by a certified
English translation.
If you are under 18, you will need proof of your parents’
or guardians’ consent. You can do this by asking them to
fill in a form which we will supply.
‘‘
All very easy and
straightforward and
everyone very friendly
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’’
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
T
o give a marriage Notice, you and your partner
must have lived in England or Wales for at least
nine days immediately before you give Notice.
If you are creating a residency, you must give your
respective Notices to the register office before either
of you leave the address where you have created your
residency, be it in the same or different districts. It does
not matter if either of you then moves to a different
address after this time.
After giving Notice you must allow at least fifteen
clear days before you can marry. Your marriage must
then take place within 12 months of the date you gave
Notice, at the venue specified on the Notice.
If you are marrying in another district, you will need to
take the Certificate for Marriage to that district before
the day of the wedding. The Registrar will tell you
when your Certificate for Marriage is due to be issued.
FEES
All fees are payable four months ahead of your
ceremony date. Fees are to be paid online at
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars under civil
Weddings (ceremony Payments). if you are
unable to do this, please call us.
For details of all fees please see our website at
www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/fees.page
or call us on Aylesbury area 01296 382481
or Beaconsfield/Wycombe area 01494
475092.
Please note - our fees increase annually on 1st
January. check our website for the correct fee
payable for your ceremony. any ceremonies being
held after the fee increase will attract the new fee
no matter when the ceremony was booked.
our CAnCEllATIon
PolICY
in the unfortunate event that you need to cancel
your ceremony, you will be required to notify us in
writing as soon as possible. the amount you will
be refunded depends on the amount of notice of
the cancellation provided. in all cases detailed
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
‘‘
Just Shoot Me Photography
We were truly made to
feel that our wedding
was very special
’’
below the relevant date is the original date that
the ceremony was booked for unless the date of
your ceremony has been brought forward from the
original date - in these cases the relevant date will
be that of the new ceremony.
v more than four months notice of cancellation
prior to the ceremony you will receive a full
refund of the balance fee (less the non-refundable
booking fee).
v between four months and three months notice
of cancellation prior to the ceremony date you
will receive a 50% refund of the ceremony fee
(less the non-refundable booking fee).
v less than three months notice of cancellation
prior to the ceremony date (or failure to cancel
in writing) there will be no refund.
Please note, if you have to cancel the date of
your ceremony an administration charge of £25.00
will be deducted from any monies being refunded
which is in addition to the non-refundable £50
booking fee.
For full details of our terms and conditions please visit
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/fees.page
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Just Shoot Me Photography
‘‘
A personal service.
The registrar was fabulous
and professional at all times
orgAnISIng Your
WEDDINg DAY
SoPhoto
W
hether you choose a
registration office or one
of our licensed venues, there are
many ways in which we can help to
make your day special and personal.
Here are a few ideas you may
wish to consider:
v You may wish to follow the
tradition of not seeing one
another before the ceremony
v The bride may wish to be
escorted into the ceremony
room and/or formally given
away by her father or another
person of her choice
v The bride may like to be
attended by bridesmaids,
flower girls and pageboys
v You may like to say additional
vows to each other after the
legal contracting words
v If you wish, the marriage
may be sealed by the giving
and receiving of rings
Each of our registration offices can
provide wedding music, or you can
provide us with music which has
special meaning for you and your
partner. The music may be live, on
CD or ipod/pad (we only have 4th
generation docking stations so please
bring any adaptors required). Music
can be played while your guests are
’’
arriving, as you walk into the room,
when you are signing the register
and at the end as you lead your
guests from the ceremony room.
You will need to nominate someone
to operate the music system.
Another way to make a ceremony
more personal is to include readings.
You may have two readings during
the ceremony, you may ask one of
your guests to do this for you or the
Registrar will happily perform the
readings. Please see the Order of
Ceremony on page 19 for where
readings could be included.
You may use your own poetry or
prose but for legal reasons, this, as
with any music played, must not have
any religious content or connotation.
If you would like to include any of the
ideas mentioned above, or if you have
ideas of your own please contact us.
Please ensure you complete your
online options form two months
before your ceremony and pay your
fees for the ceremony online four
months before the date of your
wedding. The options form can be
found at www.buckscc.gov.uk/
registrars under Civil Weddings (Your
Ceremony). Online fee payments can
be made at www.buckscc.gov.uk/
registrars under Civil Weddings
(Ceremony Payments).
Nigel Harper
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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
SoPhoto
GETTINGMARRIEDOUTSIDE
A
ll of us here in buckinghamshire registration
service know how important your special day
and ceremony is to you and your family and friends.
We will do all that we can to ensure that it lives up to
your expectations.
(under 16 degrees), very hot and sunny with no shade
for guests and any other extreme conditions. it is also
a legal requirement that the marriage registers and civil
partnership schedules (and all other legal paperwork)
must be kept dry and in pristine condition at all times.
the law of this country does not allow for a ceremony
to take place outside. All the legal requirements of a
ceremony must be held within a permanent, immovable
structure, with a fixed roof and solid floor. this needs
to be large enough to accommodate the couple, two
registrars, two witnesses and a table large enough to
prepare the paperwork.
Guests need to feel comfortable and be able to hear
the ceremony, and following feedback from our
customers, it has become clear that occasionally
couples have set their hearts unrealistically on an
outside ceremony, sometimes forgetting their guests’
needs.
more and more couples are planning for their
ceremony to be held outside in some type of
garden structure and we are happy
to try and accommodate this during
the summer months of may to
september. in fact we all love
conducting ceremonies ‘outside’!
Please do not let it spoil your day if the ceremony
cannot take place outside, for whatever reason.
make plans for your chosen room inside too – and
consider it a bonus if the weather is
kind to you.
if you choose a venue which offers
an outside ceremony option and you
want to aim for this, you will be asked
to sign an agreement confirming that
the final decision as to whether a
ceremony will take place outside
will be made by the registrars
undertaking the ceremony. Details
of the agreement can be found on
our website under civil Weddings at
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
however, the great british summer
being what it is, that is not always
possible. the main reason that a
ceremony may not take place in
the outside structure is inclement
weather. inclement weather can
include rain (or the likelihood of
showers), wind, very cold conditions
Nigel Harper
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
13
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Photopro
Nigel Harper
Photopro
BEFORE YOuR
WEDDINg
SoPhoto
SoPhoto
W
e recognise that your ceremony is very special to both you and your guests and
we will always endeavour to provide the best possible service to reflect this.
However, we will be performing a number of ceremonies on the same day and would
ask for your co-operation to ensure that your ceremony starts punctually.
This enables us to organise and perform your ceremony without the need to hurry and
provides us with sufficient time to travel to the next ceremony. If you are late arriving,
this may affect the amount of time we can devote to you; it may delay your ceremony
until later in the day or an alternative day.
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‘‘
Nigel Harper
It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Thank you
’’
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
ConTACTIng You
BEForE ThE CErEmonY
If you are marrying in an approved venue, the
person conducting the ceremony will be in touch
by telephone usually during the week leading up
to your big day to talk through your ceremony
with you, offer advice and answer any questions.
rEgISTrArS’ ArrIvAl
If your ceremony is in an approved venue, the
Registrars will arrive at least 30 minutes before
the time of the ceremony; we try to be there
45 minutes before.
SEATIng
Please check with your venue the maximum
number of people allowed in the room the
ceremony is being held in. under their fire
regulations these numbers must not be exceeded.
WITnESSES
You will need to ask two people, who may be
friends or relatives, if they will witness your
ceremony. Your witnesses must be old enough
to understand the ceremony and their role in it.
All they will have to do is watch and listen to the
ceremony and sign the register.
ConFETTI
Some venues may have restrictions on throwing
confetti; please check with them.
PhoToS And vIdEoS
Your guests are more than welcome to take
photographs before, by arrangement during,
and after the ceremony. At the end of the
ceremony there will be time for photographs
with the register and perhaps the Registrars.
If you would like someone to make a video
recording, please let the Registrar know so a
suitable position can be agreed. For safety
reasons we cannot allow extra lighting and all
the recording equipment must run on batteries.
moBIlE PhonES And PAgErS
Please ask your guests to turn these off before
coming into the ceremony room. Please also be
aware that food and drink are not permitted in
any of the ceremony rooms.
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
15
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Photopro
Photopro
Just Shoot Me Photography
Nigel Harper
THE DAY OF YOuR
WEDDINg
‘‘
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PAGE
W
e look forward to sharing with you the joy
and happiness of your wedding day. Here
are some simple guidelines to help you through.
We would like to
say a huge thank
you to the registrars
who performed our
ceremony. They both
made our wedding
so special
’’
We do not want to rush your ceremony nor be
forced to postpone it, so please ensure you and
your guests arrive on time. Remember there may
be traffic delays or a photo call before the ceremony.
The ceremony is attended by two Registrars one to deliver the ceremony and the other is
responsible for ensuring that all the information
which is to be entered into the marriage register
is correct on the day.
We have to meet with both the bride and groom
immediately before the ceremony to re-check the
information you gave during your Notice of Marriage;
this is a legal requirement.
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Photopro
Just Shoot Me Photography
SoPhoto
WEDDinGs in An APProVED VEnuE
couples seeing each other before the
ceremony or arriving together - we would
ask that you are both available to see the
registrars at least 30 minutes before the
ceremony start time.
couples not seeing each other before the
ceremony - the groom must be available
to see the registrars at least 30 minutes
before the ceremony start time. the bride
must be available to see the registrars at
least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
if you are getting ready at the venue we are
happy to see you in your room but we will
need to find a quiet area to do this.
Additionally, the registrar will ask each of
you to give your father’s full name and
occupation. these details will be recorded in
the register and on your marriage certificate.
they will be happy to answer any last minute
questions you may have about the ceremony
or any of the other arrangements.
WEDDinGs in A rEGistEr oFFicE
couples seeing each other before the ceremony should
arrive with your guests at least 15 minutes before the
ceremony start time.
For couples not seeing each other before the ceremony,
the groom should arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony
start time and the bride 10 minutes. Please wait outside
until the usher or registrar greets you.
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
‘‘
We were given
a lovely service Thank you
’’
17
PAGE
Stephen Thorpre
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
This is your special day and there is no need to be nervous or worried about the ceremony,
the Registrars are there to help and guide you through all you have to do. There are words
prescribed by law which you must say, these words declare you are free to marry and contract
your marriage. There are various combinations of the declaratory words and contracting words,
you will be asked to choose one set of words from each list below before the day.
dEClArATorY WordS
v “I do solemnly declare that I know not
of any lawful impediment why I, (your full
name), may not be joined in matrimony to
(your partner’s full name)”, or
v “I declare that I know of no legal reason
why I, (your full name), may not be joined
in marriage to (your partner’s full name)”, or
v By replying “I am” to the question “Are you,
(your full name) free lawfully to marry (your
partner’s full name)?”
I
f you would like to make extra vows to each other,
we are happy to discuss this with you. We can
provide you with examples of extra vows or you may
wish to create your own. Please ensure the Registrar
has seen these words before the ceremony.
During the ceremony the Registrar will record the
marriage in the marriage register which you and your
witnesses must then sign. The bride will sign in the
name by which she was known before the ceremony.
The Registrars will then sign the register and the
marriage certificate will be presented to the bride.
If you would like extra copies of your certificate we
would be more than happy to post these to you afterwards. The ceremony will last for around half an hour.
18
PAGE
ConTrACTIng WordS
v “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”,
or
v “I, (your full name), take you (your partner’s
full name) to be my wedded wife/husband”
or
v “I, (your full name), take thee (your partner’s
full name) to be my wedded wife/husband”
When thinking about the number of guests that you
will invite, please consider the size of the room and
check that everyone will be able to hear the Registrar.
We want all guests to be able to hear the ceremony
and if you think that this may be a problem, please
provide amplification.
‘‘
Thank you so much for a
perfect wedding
’’
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
d
e
t
S
e
Sugg
f
o
r
e
ord
y
n
o
m
e
cer
Stephen Thorpre
A ceremony generally lasts around 30 minutes depending on
the music and readings you include.
You may have up to two readings in your ceremony;
below shows the best places where these can go in your ceremony
v Pre-arrival music (approx 15 minutes)
v Entrance music (approx 2 minutes)
Arrival of the bride
v Welcome & Introduction
You could have a reading option here
v Legal statements
v Declaratory words
You could have a reading option here
v Contracting words
v Additional vows
v Giving/exchanging of rings
You could have a reading option here
v Signing of register with music (approx 6 minutes)
v Photographs
v Presentation of the certificate
v Bride & groom lead out
v Exit music (approx 5 minutes)
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
19
PAGE
Countdown
to your
BIG DAY
once you have made the exciting commitment to become husband and wife, it is now that the hard work of organising
your wedding begins. to help you, we have compiled this checklist to aid the smooth running of your preparations.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE
Send out the invitations
HAVING NAMED THE DAY
✶ Work out a rough budget and
guest list
✶
✶
Provisionally book the venue, then
immediately contact the Registrars
to ensure they have staff and your
preferred time available. Once this
is done, confirm the date and time
back to the venue
✶
If you are changing your name, allow
at least six weeks for a new passport
✶
Choose gifts for the bridesmaids,
best man and mothers
✶
Order gift boxes to send out
wedding cake
Arrange a Notice of Marriage
appointment
✶
✶
Book the caterers and entertainment
✶
✶
Choose your bridesmaids, best man
and ushers
Have final fittings for the
wedding outfits
✶
Book the photographer and/or
videographer
Take your headdress and veil to the
hairdressers for a practice run
✶
Confirm with the caterers and
arrange the seating plan
✶
Prepare thank you letters for the
presents you receive
✶
✶
✶
Book the toastmaster
✶
Book cars for the ceremony and
for going away
✶
Plan and book your honeymoon
✶
Start shopping for the bridal dress,
bridesmaids’ dresses and groom’s suit
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
Finalise the guest list
Just Shoot Me Photography
SoPhoto
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
Work out a timetable for the
reception and run through it with
the best man and bridesmaids
✶
THREE MONTHS BEFORE
✶ Plan the guest list and order invitations,
menu cards and place cards
✶
Order the wedding cake
✶
Choose the rings
✶
Choose flowers for the reception,
bridal party, buttonholes and corsages
✶
Decide on your wedding gift list
✶
Have a first fitting of the bridal dress
✶
If you are having a honeymoon
abroad, arrange necessary visas
and vaccinations
✶
Book a hotel for the wedding night
✶
Plan the hen and stag nights
✶
Complete the online ceremony
options form and pay your fees
to the Registrar at
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
20
PAGE
✶
Write out place cards for the
reception
✶
Wear in your wedding shoes around
the home
✶
Order your foreign currency if
going abroad
ON THE DAY OF YOUR WEDDING
So that you can relax and enjoy your
wedding, ask friends and family to see
that the following arrangements are
made for you on the day.
✶
The cases for your honeymoon are
sent on to your overnight hotel
✶
The wedding dress and groom’s suit
are packed away, and any hired items
are returned as soon as possible
✶
The wedding presents are carefully
packed up and taken home
✶
Wedding cake is sent to people
unable to attend
Photopro
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
We are proud to provide outstanding Chauffeur Services. Rest assured, if you choose
Phantom Chauffeur Services you will avoid traffic hassle and arrive to your destination
on time. Our comfortable and luxurious Rolls Royce Phantoms are the perfect way to
travel in comfort and luxury whatever your special occasion.
You can expect the highest level of comfort in our entire fleet. Our Phantoms are equipped with various
amenities to make your luxury experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.
Our chauffeurs are bilingual and customer oriented, have extensive driving experience and impeccable
driving record. Our crew are prepared to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays,
striving to meet demands of every client. Enjoy luxurious travel with Phantom Chauffeur Services,
your number one choice for Phantoms in the United Kingdom.
Weddings & Events
Leavers Proms
Corporate Business
Personal Security
PHANTOM CHAUFFEUR SERVICES
Tel: 07930 001166 or 07947 644620
E: [email protected]
W: phantomchauffeurservices.co.uk
VIP Executives
Airport Transfer
Weddings at The Fox Country Inn...
for that most important of special days
Set in such a peaceful and relaxing environment, The Fox Country Inn is
the ideal venue in a perfect location. Renowned for its outstanding natural
beauty, the hotel nestles amongst the rolling Chiltern Hills, surrounded by
beautiful woodland and countryside.
We would love you to hold your marriage ceremony at The Fox Country Inn. For that purpose
we have two beautifully appointed suites, both licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies.
The Function Room Suite is licensed to hold a maximum of 40 guests; the Main Restaurant Suite
for 50 guests.
We are honoured when a couple entrusts their wedding arrangements to us. Consequently, we
take enormous pride in ensuring every single aspect is just as it should be. We want you to take
home only the very best of memories and we will work closely with you to plan and implement
the perfect day.
Everything catered for…
l
l
l
l
Discounted Bridal suite with
romantic decor.
Private menu tasting for Bride & Groom.
To ensure your special day runs smoothly
the duty manager will be on-call throughout
the day to cater for every eventuality.
Our chef has developed special menus for
children aged between 3 and 10 and no
charge is made for those under the age of 3.
l
l
l
l
So that you don’t have to worry about it,
menus, place cards and table plans will be
printed and displayed for you.
Immaculate white linen tablecloths and
napkins will be supplied on all the tables.
Large silver knife & slice will be provided
for the happy couple to cut the cake.
All your guests will be entitled to reduced
rates for accommodation at The Fox.
Fox Country Inn Ltd, Ibstone Road, Ibstone, High Wycombe, Bucks HP14 3XT
Tel: 01491 638 814
[email protected]
www.foxcountryinn.co.uk
Partnerships
CIVIL
here in Buckinghamshire we are
delighted to offer civil partnership
ceremonies. We are able to offer
you a fantastic selection of
licensed venues in which to form
your partnership and while it is
not a legal requirement to have a
ceremony, we would be delighted
to celebrate with you and create a
ceremony which is special and
personal to you both.
Just Shoot Me Photography
I
f you have decided to form your partnership in a
licensed venue and made a provisional booking you
need to contact us to check a Registrar is available for
the date and the time you want. It is essential you do
this before making any other arrangements. Bookings
can be taken up to 24 months ahead of time.
To contact us please call - Aylesbury area 01296
382481 or beaconsfield/Wycombe area 01494
475092.
will have to give a new Notice and pay a further
statutory fee for this. You will each be required to
attend in person to give an individual Notice. If you
both reside in Buckinghamshire then you can attend
either of our offices to give Notice. If you reside in
separate registration districts, each of you will be
required to give Notice in the district in which you
live. We are happy to advise you further on any of
these matters.
Please note - at the time of booking you will need to pay
a non-refundable booking fee.
giving Notice means declaring that you are both
free to form the partnership and you will be
required to provide certain documents. You may
give Notice up to one year before the date to
formalise your partnership. You will need to make
an appointment at the register office in the district
in which you live. If you live in Buckinghamshire
please call either - Aylesbury area 01296 382481
or beaconsfield/Wycombe area 01494 475092.
If you live outside Buckinghamshire and would like
details of your local office please do not hesitate to
call us on either number. When you give Notice,
the Registrar will ask questions about you and your
partner. You will be asked for your full names and
addresses, your ages, whether either of you has been
married or formed a civil partnership before, your
occupations and your nationalities.
You can form your partnership on any day of the
week, but we do not work on Christmas Day, Boxing
Day, New Year’s Day, good Friday or Easter Sunday.
noticE oF ciVil PArtnErshiP
Before you can proceed there are certain formalities
which are required by law. If you wish to form a legal
partnership you must have lived in England or Wales
for at least nine days immediately before you give
Notice. If you are creating a residency, you must give
your respective Notices to the register office before
either of you leave the address where you have
created your residency, be it in the same or different
districts. It does not matter if either of you then moves
to a different address after this time. You will also have
to specify the venue of your ceremony, as this cannot
be changed. If you decide on a different venue you
24
PAGE
If you are not a British or EEA citizen new legislation
may apply, so please contact us.
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
I
t is necessary for you and your
partner to give us proof of
identity. Passports should be used,
but we may accept two other
documents, one of which should
be a birth certificate together
with another document such as
a driving licence. If you have no
passport and you were born
after 1st January 1983 you must
produce a full birth certificate
showing your parents details to
prove nationality. You also need
to provide proof of your address.
Please bring along a recently dated
council tax or utility bill or a bank
statement.
‘‘
If you arrive at the appointment
without your documentation we
may not be able to take your
Notice.
If either of you has been married
or formed a civil partnership
before, you will need documents
to show your last marriage or
civil partnership has legally ended.
All documents must be originals
and not photocopies. Any person
whose divorce or dissolution
was granted in England or Wales,
must produce their Decree
Absolute bearing the original
seal or stamp of the court. If the
divorce or dissolution took place
in another country, you should
bring the original document.
If either of you is widowed or a
surviving civil partner, you will
need to produce your late
partner’s death certificate.
Foreign documents should be
accompanied by a certified English
translation.
If you are under 18, you will need
to bring proof of your parents’ or
guardians’ consent. You can do this
by asking them to fill in a form
which we will supply.
A very moving ceremony.
Excellent staff made us feel
very comfortable
’’
Just Shoot Me Photography
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
Just Shoot Me Photography
25
PAGE
ON THE DAY
YOuR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY
P
lease help us and other couples who are having their
ceremonies on the same day, by ensuring you and
your guests arrive at least 15 minutes before the
start of the ceremony if you are in one of
our offices. If you are at an approved
venue, please ensure you arrive 30
minutes before.
We do not want to rush your
ceremony nor be forced to postpone
it, so please ensure your guests arrive on time.
Remember, there may be traffic delays or a photo-call
before the ceremony.
The ceremony is conducted by the Partnership Registrar,
who is also responsible for ensuring that all the information
which is to be entered into the partnership record is
correct on the day. They will see you and your partner in
private to check the details. You may choose to be seen
together or separately. They will be happy to answer any
last minute questions you may have about the ceremony
or any of the other arrangements.
This is your special day and there is no need to be nervous
or worried about the ceremony. The Registrar is there to
help and guide you throughout. The following words
declare you are free to contract your civil partnership and
understand the formality of the contract you are about to
sign. It may be read by you both just prior to signing, or
may be repeated by each of you, a few words at the time,
after the Registrar.
“i declare that i know of no legal reason why we may not
register as each other’s civil partner. i understand that on
signing this document we will be forming a civil partnership
with each other.”
You can have a simple ceremony, as outlined in the above
paragraph, in the presence of two witnesses, who will also
sign the Partnership Formation Schedule. These may be
friends or relatives and must be old enough to understand
their role as a witness. Alternatively, you may have a more
personal ceremony by exchanging rings or gifts, interspersed
with readings and music. If you would like to make further
vows to each other we will be happy to discuss these with
you. We can provide you with examples of extra vows,
or you may wish to create your own. Please ensure that
the Registrar has seen these words before the ceremony.
Please ensure you complete and return the yellow options
form to us, with the fee for your ceremony, four months
before the date of your ceremony.
26
PAGE
The options form can also be found on our website
www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/Registrars/cp_ceremony.page
Once the ceremony is completed,
the Registrar is required to enter
your partnership formation onto a
national computer database - this
will not be done on the same day as
your partnership. Any certificates you
asked for will be posted to you after the
record has been completed.
For details about photographs, videos and confetti,
see page 15.
ciVil PArtnErshiPs in rEliGious PrEmisEs
o
ur staff are more than happy to attend religious premises
which have been approved by the local authority and
where civil partnerships may be formed. We will attend at
the premises, undertake the legal formalities, and then leave,
so you are able to have a religious blessing with your family
and friends. At the time of printing this brochure no
requests for licences have been received. Any premises
approved will be listed on our website under Licensed
Venues at www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
sAmE sEx mArriAGE
For up-to-date information on Same Sex Marriage please
visit the website for the government Equalities Office at
www.gov.uk/governmentorganisations/
government-equalities-office
SuggeSted order
of ceremony
v Pre-arrival music (approx 15 min)
v Entrance music (approx 2 min)
v Welcome & Introduction
Reading Option
v Optional vows
v Giving/exchanging of rings
Reading Option
v Signing of schedule with music (approx 6 min)
v Photographs
v Presentation of commemorative certificate
v Couple lead out
v Exit music (approx 5 min)
A cErEmony GEnErAlly lAsts ArounD 30 minutuEs
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
LICENSED VENuES IN BuCKINgHAMSHIRE
aylesBury area
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
28
Ashfold school (dorton house)
Dorton House, Dorton, Aylesbury HP18 9Ng
07850 891769 www.dortonhouse.net
Aylesbury WAterside theAtre
Exchange Street, Aylesbury HP20 1ug
01296 745131 www.aylesburywatersidetheatre.co.uk
the bell hotel
Market Square, Winslow MK18 3AB
01296 714091 www.thebell-hotel.com
best Western buckinghAm hotel
A421 Ring Road, Buckingham MK18 1RY
01280 822622 www.bw-buckinghamhotel.co.uk
buckinghAmshire rAilWAy centre
Station Road, Quainton, Nr Aylesbury HP22 4BY
01296 655720 www.bucksrailcentre.org
clAydon house
Middle Claydon, Buckingham MK18 2EY
01280 822850 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
five ArroWs hotel
High Street, Waddesdon HP18 0JE
01296 651727 www.waddesdon.org.uk/five_arrows
the gAteWAy conference centre
gatehouse Road, Aylesbury HP19 8FF
01296 585969 www.aylesburyvaledc.go.uk
the John hAmpden room
Buckinghamshire Register Office, Walton St, Aylesbury HP20 1XF
01296 382581 www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
hArtWell house hotel & spA
Oxford Road, Aylesbury HP17 8NR
01296 746502 www.hartwell-house.com
holidAy inn, Aylesbury
Aston Clinton Road, Aylesbury HP22 5AA
01296 734031 www.ichotelsgroup.com
horWood house
Little Horwood MK17 0PH
01296 722100 www.principal-hayley.com
mAgnoliA pArk golf & country club
Arncott Road, Boarstall HP18 9XX
01844 239700 www.magnoliapark.co.uk
mentmore golf & country club
Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard Lu7 0uA
01296 662020 www.mentmorecountryclub.co.uk
notley Abbey
Aylesbury Road, Haddenham, Aylesbury HP17 8TN
0845 130 9966 www.notleyabbey.co.uk
notley tythe bArn
Notley Farm, Long Crendon, Nr Aylesbury HP18 9ER
01844 201226 www.notleyfarm.co.uk
poundon house
Poundon, Bicester OX27 9BB
07931 467515 www.poundonhouse.com
the red lion hotel
High Street, Wendover HP22 6Du
01296 622266 www.marstonsinns.co.uk
PAGE
19 silverstone golf club
Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5LH
01280 850005 www.silverstonegolfclub.co.uk
20 the silverstone Wing
Silverstone Circuits, Northampton NN12 8TN
0844 3728 200 www.silverstone.co.uk/weddings
21 stoWe house
Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH
01280 818280 www.stowe.co.uk/events
22 stoWe lAndscApe gArdens
The National Trust, Stowe, Buckingham MK18 5EH
01280 818809 www.www.nationaltrust.org.uk
23 villiers hotel
3 Castle Street, Buckingham MK18 1BS
01280 822444 www.oxfordshire-hotels.co.uk
24 WAddesdon mAnor - the dAiry
Queen Street, Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JW
01296 653216 www.waddesdon.org.uk
25 West lodge hotel
London Road, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury HP22 5HL
01296 630362 www.westlodge.co.uk
BeaconsFielD / WycomBe area
26 beAconsfield chAmbers
Town Hall, Penn Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2PP
01494 675173 www.beaconsfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk
27 bedford Arms hotel
Chenies WD3 6EQ
01923 283301 www.bedfordarms.co.uk
28 bellhouse hotel
Oxford Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2XE
01753 893891 www.bellhousehotel.co.uk
29 buckinghAmshire golf club
Denham Court Drive, Denham uB9 5Bg
01895 836777 www.buckinghamshiregc.com
30 the bull hotel
Oxford Road, gerrards Cross SL9 7PA
01753 885995 www.sarova.com
31 burnhAm beeches hotel
grove Road, Burnham SL1 8DP
01628 429955 www.corushotels.com/burnham
32 burnhAm pArk
Windsor Lane, Burnham SL1 7HR
01628 661381 www.burnhampark.co.uk
33 chArtridge conference centre
Chartridge Lane, Chesham HP5 2Tu
0845 230 5858 www.chartridge.co.uk
34 cheshAm toWn hAll
Chesham HP5 1DS
01494 774842
www.chesham.gov.uk
35 cliveden
Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JF
01628 668561
www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
For further information visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
36 court gArden house
Pound Lane, Marlow SL7 2AE
01628 405205 www.courtgardenhouse.co.uk
37 crAzy beAr hotel & restAurAnt
Old Beaconsfield HP9 1LX
01494 673086 www.crazybeargroup.co.uk
38 croWn hotel
16 High Street, Amersham HP7 0DH
01494 721541 www.thecrownamersham.co.uk
39 croWne plAzA mArloW
Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow SL7 1gJ
0870 444 8940 www.wonderful-weddings.co.uk
40 dAnesfield house hotel & spA
Henley Road, Marlow SL7 2EY
01628 891010 www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
41 the dAshWood room
The Library, 5 Eden Place, High Wycombe HP11 2DH
01494 475092 www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
42 denhAm grove
Tilehouse Lane, Denham uB9 5Dg
0844 980 2305 www.devere.co.uk
43 the disrAeli room
Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office,
29 Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JJ
01494 475205 www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
44 duffield house
grays Park Road, Stoke Poges SL2 4HX
01753 877213 www.duffieldhouse.com
45 fox country inn
Ibstone, High Wycombe HP14 3XT
01491 639333 www.foxcountryinn.co.uk
46 gerrArds cross memoriAl centre
8 East Common, gerrards Cross SL9 7AD
01753 883759 www.colstonhallgx.com
47 grovefield house hotel
Taplow Common Road, Burnham SL1 8LP
01628 603131 www.classiclodges.co.uk
48 hAmpden house
great Hampden, Nr great Missenden HP16 9RD
01494 489042 www.hampdenweddings.com
49 hArleyford golf club
Harleyford Estate, Henley Road, Marlow SL7 2SP
01628 816161 www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk
50 hAzlemere golf club
Penn Road, Hazlemere, High Wycombe HP15 7LR
01494 719300 www.hazlemeregolfclub.co.uk
51 hedsor house
Hedsor Park, Taplow SL6 0HX
01628 819050 www.hedsor.com
52 henley business school (greenlAnds)
greenlands, Henley-on-Thames Rg9 3Au
01491 418810 www.henleyweddings.org.uk
53 holidAy inn, high Wycombe
Handy Cross, High Wycombe HP11 1TL
0870 400 9042 www.ichotelsgroup.com
54 kings hotel
Oxford Road, Stokenchurch HP14 3TA
01494 609090 www.kingshoteluk.com
55 lAtimer conference centre
Latimer Place, Latimer, Chesham HP5 1ug
0844 980 2312 www.devere.co.uk
56 midsomer court
Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office,
29 Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JJ
01494 475205 www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
57 missenden Abbey conference centre
great Missenden HP16 0BD
01494 866811 www.missendenabbey.co.uk
58 neWlAnd pArk mAnor
gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. giles HP8 4AB
01494 874669 www.newlandmanor.com
59 old luxters bArn
Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames Rg9 6JW
01189 845990 www.oldluxtersbarn.co.uk
60 the pAvilion At lAne end
Church Road, Lane End, High Wycombe HP14 3HH
01494 881171 www.thepavilionuk.com
61 pineWood hotel
Wexham Park Lane, george green SL3 6AP
01753 896400 www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk
62 pineWood studios
Pinewood Road, Iver Heath SL0 0NH
01753 651126
www.crowngroup.co.uk/ourcompanies/missing-ingredients.htm
63 richings pArk golf club
North Park, Iver SL0 9DL
01753 655370 www.richingspark.co.uk
64 stoke pArk
Park Road, Stoke Poges SL2 4Pg
01753 717171 www.stokeparkclub.com
65 stoke plAce
Stoke green, Stoke Poges SL2 4HT
01753 534790 www.stokeplace.co.uk
66 tAploW house hotel
Berry Hill, Taplow SL6 0DA
01628 670056 www.taplowhouse.com
67 tudor bArn, brightWell grAnge
Britwell Road, Burnham SL1 8DF
01753 648644 www.tudorbarn.co.uk
68 uplAnds
Four Ashes Rd, High Wycombe HP15 6LB
01494 716473 www.devere.co.uk
69 Wendover Arms
Desborough Avenue, High Wycombe HP11 2Su
01494 474747 www.wendoverarms.co.uk
70 West Wycombe pArk
West Wycombe Estate, West Wycombe HP14 3AJ
01494 524411 www.westwycombeestate.co.uk
71 Wycombe sWAn
St Mary Street, High Wycombe HP11 2XE
01494 552885 www.wycombeswan.co.uk
see overleaf for the map of buckinghamshire showing the locations of the licensed Venues
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
29
PAGE
THE COuNTY OF BuCKINgHAMSHIRE
20 19
21 22
23
4
12
3
6
17
14
5
7 24
13
1
9
10
8 11
2
25
15
16
18
48
33 34
57
55
27
38
54
68
70
71
45
50
58
41 69 53
26 28 37
43 56
60
46
42
29
36
59
39
49
30
52
40
31 32
35
51
66
Map is not to scale and is for
illustration purposes only.
Not all roads are shown.
30
PAGE
47
67
44
65
64
62
61
63
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
A CAR TO SUIT YOUR STYLE
Whichever car you choose, it will arrive in immaculate
condition with a choice of coloured ribbons and flowers in
the back...and for a real touch of luxury, we also include a
half bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne.
Roses is a small, friendly, family business offering a reasonably
priced reliable service. Ken and Angie will take great care of
you whilst ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly.
Relax on that special journey you will remember forever!
6 MEADOW CLOSE, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS HP11 1RG
TELEPHONE: 01494 444901 MOBILE: 07860 323119
Email: [email protected] www.rosesweddingcars.co.uk
COLSTON HALL
Colston Hall is a delightful listed building
on the edge of Gerrards Cross Common.
The perfect venue for your civil ceremony
or reception. Marquee events also available.
Book now for 2014
www.colstonhallgx.com Tel: 01753 883759
Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre, 8 East Common,
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 7AD
THE JOHN HAMPDEN ROOM,
Buckinghamshire Register Office, Aylesbury
County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire HP20 1XF
tel: 01296 382481
email: [email protected]
Marion Mason Images
Buckinghamshire register Office is on the ground
floor of County Hall in Walton Street, Aylesbury.
The John Hampden room is pleasantly decorated,
air conditioned and has seating for 50 people, this figure
includes the two Registrars. These numbers cannot be
exceeded due to fire regulations.
Parking - Monday to Friday there is no parking available,
please use the town centre public car parks. On Saturdays parking is available for two cars. We will advise you
about these when booking your ceremony. Please see the map below for public car parks.
Wheelchairs have easy access to the register office, ceremony room and disabled toilets. We have an electronic
loop system for people with hearing difficulties and a large, comfortable waiting area.
Couples seeing each other before the ceremony should arrive with your guests at least 15 minutes before
the ceremony start time. For couples not seeing each other before the ceremony, the groom should arrive
20 minutes before the ceremony start time and the bride 10 minutes. Please wait in main reception for
someone to collect you.
32
PAGE
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
THE DASHWOOD ROOM,
The Library, High Wycombe
5 Eden Place, High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP11 2DH
tel: 01494 475092
email: [email protected]
Marion Mason Images
The Dashwood room is situated on the mezzanine
floor in High Wycombe library in the Eden Centre,
and ceremonies are available Wednesday to Friday.
It is a brand new ceremony room and is ideal for
small and intimate ceremony; the room has been
decorated to a high standard and is very light and
airy. The room can accommodate 17 people, this
figure includes the two Registrars. These numbers cannot be exceeded due to fire regulations.
There is good access to the venue with parking available in Eden Centre and other town centre car parks.
Please note, there is no parking or dropping off for wedding cars at the venue. There is a large comfortable
waiting area, and wheelchairs have easy access to the office. Toilet facilities are available in the library.
Couples seeing each other before the ceremony should arrive with their guests at least 15 minutes before
the ceremony start time. For couples not seeing each other before the ceremony, the groom should arrive
20 minutes before the ceremony start time and the bride 10 minutes.
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
33
PAGE
MIDSOMER COuRT and THE DISRAELI ROOM,
Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office
29 Windsor End, Beaconsfield,
Buckinghamshire HP9 2JJ
tel: 01494 475092
email: [email protected]
Marion Mason Images
midsomer Court
Midsomer Court is available Friday, Saturday
and Sunday. The room can accommodate 60
people (some standing), this includes the two
Registrars. These numbers cannot be exceeded
due to fire regulations.
A former magistrates court and film set, the
accommodation has recently been extensively
and sympathetically refurbished to a high standard. It has been decorated to create a modern, bright and
airy feel, and there is a court dias where you can sign the register and have photographs taken.
The accommodation is all ground floor level with good access and a large comfortable waiting area.
Outside, the courtyard is planted and there is an arbour where photographs can be taken.
Unfortunately, we regret that confetti may not be thrown inside, outside the building nor in the courtyard outside.
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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
The Disraeli room
Marion Mason Images
The Disraeli Room is available throughout the week.
The room can accommodate 25 people, this
includes the two Registrars. These numbers
cannot be exceeded due to fire regulations.
The building was built in 1870 as a police station
and has four prisoner cells!
The Disraeli Room has undergone extensive
refurbishment and the original features have
been exposed. It has a high vaulted ceiling which
is wood panelled with intricate carving. The old
and the new have been brought together to create
an intimate feel and ambience.
The accommodation is ground floor level with good access and general facilities. Outside, the courtyard
is planted and there is an arbour where photographs can be taken.
Unfortunately, we regret that confetti may not be thrown inside, outside the building nor in the courtyard outside.
Both midsomer Court and The
Disraeli room are set in the beautiful
and character-filled Old Town area of
Beaconsfield and are in a conservation
area, with a green across the road
(pictured left).
Both rooms are wheelchair accessible
and fitted with hearing loops.
We are also able to offer free wifi access
for your ceremony – if you wish to use
this, please advise at the time of booking.
(Please note, you will need to provide
your own laptop, ipad etc.)
Parking is free in Beaconsfield but it
can be busy, particularly at weekends,
so please ensure your guests are aware
of this so they arrive on time for your
ceremony.
midsomer Court
Couples seeing each other before the
ceremony should arrive with your guests
at least 15 minutes before the ceremony
start time. For couples not seeing each
other before the ceremony, the groom
should arrive 20 minutes before the
ceremony start time and the bride 10
minutes. Please wait in main reception
for someone to collect you.
Marion Mason Images
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
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photos supplied by Studio 67 Ltd.
Beaconsfield Chambers
Beaconsfield Chambers is the perfect venue for your Wedding Ceremony
being part of the Town Hall building and situated close to the Penn Road
in Beaconsfield.
is is a first floor Marriage Suite (chair lift available) which is licensed
for up to 70 guests. e room is wood panelled and has floor to ceiling
casement windows.
e public grounds to the front are ideal
for the photographer. e building is
beautifully set amongst lawns, trees and
shrubs. e floral displays to the front of
the Town Hall have been the backdrop
for many successful wedding photographs.
Beaconsfield Chambers, Town Hall, Penn Road, Beaconsfield HP9 2PP
Tel: 01494 675173 www.beaconsfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk
HARLEQUIN
FIREWORKS
CHALFONT ST GILES
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HP8 4HY
Tel: 01494 872683
Selection Boxes, Individual and Single Ignition Fireworks.
Advice and Safety Details.
Displays for all occasions - e.g. weddings,
anniversaries, corporate events.
Free site vists.
All quotations cover:
supply, firing, clearing and insurance.
Our sister company
All Dressed Up
can supply bomboniere and wedding favours, balloon art
for all occasions. Decorations for themed parties.
Give us a call 01494 872683
www.harlequinfireworks.co.uk
CELEBRATORY
these in venues which are not licensed but this
is subject to inspection and agreement.
CEREMONIES
For further information please contact one of
our offices.
These are civil ceremonies which are nonstatutory and may be held in our registration
offices or in any of the licensed venues in
Buckinghamshire. We are also able to hold
When thinking about the number of guests that
you will invite, please consider the size of the
room and check that everyone will be able to
hear the Celebrant. We want all guests to be
able to hear the ceremony and if you think
that this may be a problem, please provide
amplification.
We are also delighted to be able to offer our
new range of celebratory ceremonies here in
Buckinghamshire.
Renewing Vows
T
hese celebrations are for couples at any stage of
marriage wishing to renew their vows in a unique
ceremony. They are often linked to special wedding
or civil partnership anniversaries, but are equally
appropriate for newly-weds wishing to celebrate with
family and friends after a marriage abroad or couples
wishing to renew their commitment to each other.
The ceremony will give an opportunity for the
special people in your lives to take part, including
your children, guests who were present at the original
ceremony and other friends and family. Your Celebrant
will happily assist you as you consider your selections
to create a unique ceremony reflecting your personal
commitment to one another.
Your ceremony provides for an introduction and
welcome, readings and music, an acknowledgement of
any children of the marriage, the renewal of your vows,
giving of new ring(s) or gifts, or you may wish to choose
to rededicate your original rings. The ceremony will
then conclude with your chosen words.
It may be that you or a guest may wish to reflect on
your life together or the memories of your original
ceremony. You may choose to select witnesses to sign
the commemorative certificate which we will give to
you as a reminder of the day.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CEREMONY AND CERTIFICATES ISSuED HAVE NO LEgAL STATuS)
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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Ceremony of Naming
T
here may be a variety of
reasons why you would
want to choose a naming
ceremony; you may want to
welcome a newborn child into
your family or welcome a step or
adopted child.
There will be opportunities for
music and reflection and the
ceremony provides a unique
opportunity for everyone to feel
involved, as they pledge their love
and support for the family and
particularly for your child.
A naming ceremony provides
you with an opportunity to
celebrate their life and choose
guiding adults/mentors who will
enhance the life of your child and
who will take a special interest in
them and all that they do. Or you
could use the ceremony to simply
mark the names you have chosen
and perhaps give the reasons
behind your choice.
Your Celebrant will assist you to
plan all of these areas and at the
close of the ceremony you will be
presented with a commemorative
certificate as a permanent record
of the ceremony.
Whatever the reason, our
Celebrants in Buckinghamshire
will offer you a professional and
personal service, and our aim is
always to make your ceremony
truly memorable and meaningful,
ensuring a perfect occasion.
You may like to consider
combining a naming ceremony
with a wedding or a renewal of
vows ceremony.
Every ceremony allows you to
choose readings and the promises
made by the parent and guiding
adults/mentors. You may also wish
to involve grandparents, present a
gift to your child and mention
guests who are unable to attend.
Perhaps you would also like to
involve friends or family who wish
to specifically express their hopes
and wishes for your child’s future.
For further information about
either of these ceremonies and
fees, please call us:
Aylesbury area 01296 382481 beaconsfield/Wycombe area
01494 475092 or email us:
[email protected]
or visit our website:
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CEREMONY AND CERTIFICATES ISSuED HAVE NO LEgAL STATuS)
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
39
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Nationality
Checking Service
T
his service is for people who are wishing to become British
citizens. It is provided by fully trained staff who will check your
forms to make sure everything is filled in correctly and all
the required documents and fees are attached before the
application is sent to the uK Border Agency.
Those using the service will be able to keep their passports
and other important documents rather than send them to
the Home Office.
During the appointment the Nationality Checking Service
advisor will:
l check your application forms have been
completed correctly
l check that all required documents are present
l check that the correct fee has been submitted
l photocopy valuable documents such as
passports and marriage certificates
l photocopy 'Life in the uK' certificates or other
evidence of competence in the English language
l certify the copies and return the originals to you
l send completed applications to the uK Border
Agency by special delivery
We are able to offer appointments in Aylesbury, Beaconsfield
and High Wycombe on most days of the week. Also, where
possible, we are able to offer an express service for applications.
This means you may be able to book an appointment within
a shorter timescale than we are able to offer for standard
appointments. There is an additional fee payable on top of our
usual fee.
How to book an appointment:
Please call us on 01296 382604 to book an appointment.
You will be asked for details of your name, address and contact
number and full payment of the nationality checking service
charge to secure your appointment date and time.
Once your citizenship is granted by the uK Border Agency,
you will be able to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Citizenship Presentation photographs courtesy of Marion Mason Images
40
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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Citizenship
Ceremonies
C
itizenship ceremonies are the final step in the process for
people who have been successful in gaining British Citizenship.
Successful applicants aged 18 or over have to take part in a
ceremony where they swear or affirm an Oath of Allegiance
to Her Majesty the Queen and pledge loyalty to the united
Kingdom. It is a way of formally welcoming new citizens into
our community. There is no legal requirement for those under
18 to attend, however they are welcome to attend to receive
their certificate.
Ceremonies in Buckinghamshire are held in the registration
offices, at Aylesbury on alternate Tuesday afternoons and at
Beaconsfield on alternate Wednesdays or Fridays. A Registrar
opens the ceremony with a short welcome and is followed
by a speech from a local dignitary who speaks on behalf of
the local community and the Queen. Each prospective citizen
then must take the Oath and Pledge of Allegiance. They may
swear or affirm the oath depending on personal wishes and
religious beliefs.
Every applicant is presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation
by a local dignitary and is also given a welcome pack from the
Home Office. There are photographic opportunities to provide
a memento of the occasion. The whole assembly is then asked
to stand for the National Anthem. After this refreshments are
available.
Alternatively, you are welcome to book a private ceremony for
which there will be an additional fee.
So why not let us check your application and then join us to
celebrate becoming a British citizen?
For further information about any of the above please call us
on 01296 382604. Email: [email protected]
or visit our website www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/Registrars/
citizenship_ceremonies.page
‘‘
Staff are very friendly, professional
and approachable people
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
’’
Citizenship Presentation photographs courtesy of Marion Mason Images
41
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Our CuSTOMER
SERVICE Standards
Y
our ceremony is very important to us and we
strive to provide a professional and personal
service at all times. We aim to achieve this by
offering the following:
v If you visit our office with an appointment,
you will be seen within ten minutes of your
appointment time or arrival time, if later
v If you visit our office without an
appointment, you will be seen within one
hour of your arrival, or at a later time,
which is mutually convenient
v All letters and office e-mails not requesting
copy certificates will be acknowledged
within one working day of receipt
v Copy certificates will be issued within
seven working days from the day of
receipt. An express, same day service is
also available for an additional fee
per application
v We will arrive at the venue for your
civil ceremony at least 30 minutes
before the start time
Stephen Thorpe
We regularly consult our customers and over the last
12 months, 100% of our customers have been more
than satisfied with the way we have treated them and
delivered our services.
Our aim is to make your celebration as memorable
and as special as possible and we look forward to
meeting you soon. On behalf of Buckinghamshire
Registration Service, we would all like to take this
opportunity to wish you a wonderful celebration!
We always welcome your comments and
suggestions and you can let us have these by letter,
e-mail, by telephone or in person.
buckinghamshire registration service,
county hall, Walton street, Aylesbury, hP20 1xF
tel: 01296 382481
beaconsfield old town registration office,
29 Windsor End, beaconsfield, hP9 2JJ
tel: 01494 475092
e-mail: [email protected]
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
Index of Advertisers
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Beaconsfield Chambers
The Bedford Arms Hotel
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The Bull Hotel
Chartridge Conference Centre
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The gateway Conference Centre
gerrards Cross Memorial Centre
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Kings Hotel
Missenden Abbey
The Pavilion at Lane End
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Villiers Hotel
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Wycombe Swan
42
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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
WEST WYCOMBE PARK
Exclusive Wedding Venue
The Estate Office, West Wycombe Park, Bucks HP14 3AJ
01494 524411
[email protected] www.westwycombeestate.co.uk
Buckinghamshire Register Office, Aylesbury
County Hall, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP20 1XF
tel: 01296 382481
email: [email protected]
Beaconsfield Old Town Registration Office
29 Windsor End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2JJ
tel: 01494 475092
email: [email protected]
civil marriages
civil partnerships
renewing vows
ceremony of naming
nationality checking
citizenship ceremonies