If Music be the
FOOD OF LOVE
play on,
 

The Food of Love

Information for choosing entertainment
at your Civil Service
 

  There are rules governing the type of music and readings that are allowed at Civil Marriage Ceremony  & civil Partnerships, but the rules have recently changed and here is a little history:
 
*A prohibition of lyrics and poems with religious references had been in place since civil ceremonies were introduced in England and Wales in 1837;  When civil marriages were introduced, the law was drawn up to keep the ceremony distinct from church weddings.  Readings from sacred texts, hymns or religious chants are still barred.  The General Register Office has lifted the ban after it was backed by religious organisations, registration offices, local authorities and members of the public - who took part in a four-month consultation.

The General Registry Office is now issuing fresh guidance and advice to local officials and these will be available at your Registry Office or chosen place of Marriage.  Under new guidance announced by the Treasury, which has responsibility for the registration of weddings, couples can use music and words "as long as these contain no more than an incidental reference to a god or deity in an essentially non-religious context".  It would be best to discuss your choices with the registrar that will be conducting the union.

'*Information taken from The Independent On-Line & The BBC Website

However there is an wealth of romantic music out there that you can choose from, and of course there are also readings, either poetry or prose... a Shakespeare sonnet perhaps!

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Artwork by Erica©