FAQ

Booking a ceremony

How do we elope?

We love an elopement! From simple, legal ceremonies to all-inclusive packages, your elopement can be whatever you want it to be. We'll help you keep the arrangements secret and suggest ideas for ceremonies and/or accommodation. Search for elopements above to see our dedicated page for more information.

What are your ceremony times?

Our standard start times for ceremonies are: 10am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 5pm. If you'd like an evening ceremony, please use the Enquiry form to get in touch.

When do I need to book?

As soon as you know that your venue is available on your chosen date, please contact us to book a registrar to conduct your ceremony. Once the venue and registrar are booked, you can you’re your time exploring the rest of our website. Why not check out our inspiration section and browse our list of suppliers?

How much does a ceremony cost?

Prices, which vary depending on your exact requirements, are listed on the various ceremony pages. A non-refundable deposit of £100 confirms your booking, and the final balance is payable at least one month before your ceremony. For ease, you can pay the balance via the online Ceremony Planner which we’ll set up once you have given legal notice.

How do we check availability and book a ceremony?

Please send us an enquiry or email registrationservice@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. Alternatively leave a message with our colleagues on 01446 700111 and we’ll get back to you by the next working day. We’ll explain all you need to know about the ceremonies we offer, and help you get your ceremony planning off to a good start.

Wedding ceremony

How do we thank our registrars after the ceremony?

While we can't accept gifts, our team members always appreciate a thank you card to our offices or a mention on social media. Tag us in your photos @yourvaleceremony or use our hashtag #thanksyourvaleceremony and tell us what you enjoyed about your special day.

Can we have readings in our ceremony?

Of course. A non-religious reading by a guest is fine, and can be added to your online Ceremony Planner so you can keep track of everything. You can always check with us if you’re unsure if a reading is suitable.

Can we include a sand or water ceremony in our celebrations?

Of course. Choose our Bespoke Ceremony Package and you’ll be able to mark your commitment to each other in various distinctive ways, including a sand or water ceremony. This Package offers flexibility over the content and length of your ceremony, and includes a planning meeting with the Registrar so you can explore all the options.

Can we have music in our ceremony?

Absolutely. Music which means something to you both can really enhance the atmosphere of your big day. The music you choose has to be secular (i.e. non-religious), and you can always check your playlist with us beforehand to make sure it fits the bill.

When do we need to confirm the ceremony details?

Once you’ve given legal notice, we’ll set up your account in our online Ceremony Planner. Here you can select all of the important details, including your choice of words for vows, promises, and exchange of ring(s). You can log in to your account and make changes to your ceremony right up until a month before your big day.

Civil partnership ceremony

Can we have readings in our ceremony?

Of course. A non-religious reading by a guest is fine, and can be added to your online Ceremony Planner so you can keep track of everything. You can always check with us if you’re unsure if a reading is suitable.

Can we include a sand or water ceremony in our celebrations?

Of course. Choose our Bespoke Ceremony Package and you’ll be able to mark your commitment to each other in various distinctive ways, including a sand or water ceremony. This Package offers flexibility over the content and length of your ceremony, and includes a planning meeting with the Registrar so you can explore all the options.

Can we have music in our ceremony?

Absolutely. Music which means something to you both can really enhance the atmosphere of your big day. The music you choose has to be secular (i.e. non-religious), and you can always check your playlist with us beforehand to make sure it fits the bill.

When do we need to confirm the ceremony details?

Once you’ve booked a date, we’ll set up your account in our online Ceremony Planner which helps you select all the important details, including your choice of words for vows, promises, and exchange of ring(s). You can log in to your account and make changes to your ceremony right up until a month before your big day.

Renewal of vows ceremony

When do we need to confirm the ceremony details?

A month before your ceremony, we ask you to confirm the content of the ceremony so we can ensure that it goes without a hitch.

What can we include in our renewal of vows ceremony?

It’s entirely your decision. You might like to recall memories from your time together: the joys you’ve shared and the challenges you’ve overcome. Choose music and readings that are significant to you both. Perhaps you’d like to re-affirm your original promises or write new ones – either way you’re celebrating your love and promising to support each other as you continue your life together.

Where can we hold our renewal of vows ceremony?

You can choose a venue which is approved for weddings and civil partnerships but, as there are no legal requirements for a renewal of vows ceremony, you can also consider other locations. If you have a particular place in mind, please let us know.

Naming ceremony

When do we need to confirm the ceremony details?

A month before your ceremony, we ask you to confirm the content of the ceremony so we can ensure that it goes without a hitch.

What can we include in a naming ceremony?

It’s entirely your decision. Your ceremony can include music and readings, promises by parents, contributions from guide parents and grandparents. If the ceremony is for an older child or adult, it could include a few words from them on the significance they find in the new name.

Where can we hold a naming ceremony?

You can choose a venue which is approved for weddings and civil partnerships but, as there are no legal requirements for a naming ceremony, you can also consider other locations. If you have a particular place in mind, please let us know.