We have guidelines for all ceremonies at :
- our register office
- the BCP Civic Centre (formally Bournemouth Town Hall)
- The Guildhall in Poole
Marriages in the register office
Marriages in the register office are for the couple and two witnesses only. You will not be able to bring:
- your children
- a photographer
However, your witnesses are welcome to take photographs.
Anyone is welcome to wait outside the building to greet you afterwards.
The Register Office is a working office and will not be dressed.
Marriages in the ceremony rooms at the BCP Civic Centre (formally Bournemouth Town Hall) and The Poole Guildhall
Young children and photographers
Children under 2 years will not be included in the number of maximum guests, but they will need to sit on laps. Pushchairs will need to wait outside the room.
Children over 2 years will be counted in the guest number.
A photographer or videographer is not counted in the guest number.
Decorations at the venues
The ceremony rooms at the BCP Civic Centre (formally Bournemouth Town Hall) and The Poole Guildhall are dressed with silk flowers and do not need any extra decorations.
You can see these rooms in our licensed venues listing.
You are welcome to bring something easy to display, such as a table arrangement or pictures of loved ones. However you will not have much time in the room before the ceremony starts and any additional decorations must be taken with you after the ceremony.
Contact before the ceremony
If you are getting married at the BCP Civic Centre (Town Hall) or the Guildhall, you will not hear from the registrar before the ceremony unless there is an issue.
Information about the day is attached to your confirmation email of the ceremony booking.
The registrar will prepare your ceremony using details from your planner. We will also discuss the finer details on the day before the ceremony starts.
However, if you have any questions about the day that are not answered here, please contact us.
Confetti
You are welcome to use confetti outside the building after the ceremony but you must ensure that guests bring biodegradable confetti.
Photos and the wedding car after the ceremony
After the ceremony you will have time to take some photographs outside the building but if you wish to take more photographs further away your wedding car will need to be moved as there will likely be a ceremony after yours.
Dress code
There is no set dress code for a wedding or civil partnership but clothing must be generally appropriate. It is your special day - you can wear whatever you like.