Our friendly and experienced registrars are here to help create a unique and special wedding or civil partnership ceremony just for you. Follow these simple steps to your perfect ceremony.
1. Choose your venue
There are 3 types of venue to choose from in the Dorset Council area:
Licensed venues
Venues licensed for civil ceremonies include castles, country houses and tourist attractions. You will need to book the venue and registrars separately.
The register office
Dorset Register Office is located at the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester and is suitable for small, simple ceremonies. You can book your ceremony directly with us.
Ceremony rooms
We have rooms for larger ceremonies in Bridport, Ferndown, Gillingham, Swanage and Weymouth which you can book directly with us.
Search for a ceremony venue
Browse through licensed venues, ceremony rooms and the register office.
2. Book your registrars
Register office and ceremony rooms
When you book the register office or a ceremony room we will be able to book the registrars for you. They are included in the booking fee so there's no additional charge.
Licensed venues
You'll need to book the registrars separately for most licensed venues, once you have a provisional booking with the venue.
Contact us to book the registrars for your ceremony.
View fees for our registrars to attend a licensed venue.
3. Give notice of marriage or civil partnership
By law, you must give notice in person at a register office at least 29 days before your ceremony.
Find out more about giving notice of marriage or civil partnership.
4. Plan and pay for your ceremony
We will send you a ceremony planner with your confirmation pack once your registrars have been booked, which will guide you through preparing for your ceremony.
Every ceremony is unique and our experienced registrars will design a ceremony that's completely personal to you. You can choose your readings and music, write your own personal promises, include your children or other family members in the ceremony and even have a themed ceremony.
Ceremony costs
Licensed venues set their own charges and you should discuss payment with them.
View the register office and ceremony room fees.
You also need to pay for:
- notice of marriage or civil partnership, payable to your local register office
- your marriage or civil partnership certificates
