Civil Weddings Bournemouth

Destination Weddings in Bournemouth: UK and Wales Residents

Just because you are having a destination wedding does not mean you have to travel abroad. A number of citizens outside Bournemouth but within the UK and Wales may want to plan a wedding in the city, similar to United States citizens of Iowa hosting a wedding in Florida.

To hold a civil wedding or partnership in Bournemouth, couples must give notice of marriage or civil partnership to their local registrar’s office. This must be done in person at least 16 days before the ceremony. Documentation may be needed, which may include passport, birth certificate, decree absolute, or other official certificates to prove ability to marry legally. Persons wishing to be married under the age of 18 must also submit a parental consent form. Fees will be assessed for the marriage notice.

Bournemouth Destination Weddings: Outside the UK

If you are not a citizen of England or Wales, but would still like to get married in England in the town of Bournemouth, you must find out what documentation and other requirements must be met. One of the first things you must do is find out if you need a UK visa or entry clearance to get married in Bournemouth. To find out if you do, visit the UK Visas website and submit the questionnaire provided.

The Border and Immigration Agency may also be able to help you obtain the necessary documents and permissions in order to marry in Bournemouth. Contacting the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) for information regarding weddings may be useful; even if they do not know the answer to your question, they may be able to direct you to the agency that can help. Visit their website by clicking here.

Contact the Bournemouth Registrar Office once you have all of your documentation and permissions squared away. They can be contacted the following ways:

• Email: enquiries@bournemouth.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01202 451451
• Fax: 01202 451000

Planning a Civil Wedding in Bournemouth

Planning a civil wedding in Bournemouth can be a bit harder when you are planning from abroad. Hiring a wedding planner who specializes in UK weddings or overseas planning may very well be worth the expense. Once you have your venue chosen, you may be able to get suggestions from their wedding coordinator on other services to contact.

Wedding Venues

You can choose to hold your civil wedding in the Bournemouth Town Hall. Three different wedding options are available:

1. The Council Chamber: Holds up to 130 people and price includes ceremony co-coordinator, 3 parking passes, floral arrangements, and candles. It is available 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, including holidays.
2. The Willows: A pleasing room that holds up to 50 people and is available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only (no bank holidays).
3. The Registrar Office: A small room for a private ceremony that holds up to 10 people. Availability is Monday through Friday and half-days on Saturday (no bank holidays).

Venues for the ceremony are often the same as the reception in Bournemouth. Civil weddings and partnership venues must be on the approved marriage and civil partnership venues in Bournemouth listing with the GRO. Once you have your venue chosen, you may be able to get additional suggestions from their wedding coordinator.

Other Wedding Services

A wedding planner or venue coordinator can recommend photographers, DJs, caterers, and more for your wedding. Otherwise, you can check with companies that have listed their services on a wedding planning website for Dorset County. The following places offer listings for services and venues near Bournemouth:

• WeddingVenues.com
• Wedding Daze Directory of Professional Wedding Suppliers
• Wedding Match
• Dream Weddings Magazine for Dorset & Hampshire

Bournemouth’s Attractions

Bournemouth is an attractive area in which to hold a destination wedding. With seven miles of beach, it is a beautiful area for a holiday. Seasonal special events, sporting events, theatre, and concerts are held all year long. Popular tourist attractions include:

• The Bournemouth Oceanarium
• The Bournemouth Eye
• St. Peter’s Church-Tombstone
• Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
• King Edwards Love Nest
• Tower Park Entertainment Center
• Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

To learn about these attractions and find out what’s happening during the time you want to get married, visit the Bournemouth Tourism website. Encourage wedding guests to partake in the many offerings the area has while they are visiting, and your civil wedding in Bournemouth will be enjoyable and memorable.