How Should We Greet Each Other at the End of the Aisle? A Registrar’s Advice for Civil Ceremonies

 

How Should We Greet Each Other at the End of the Aisle? A Registrar’s Advice for Civil Ceremonies

As a UK Civil Wedding Registrar, one of the most common questions I get asked by couples is: “How should we greet each other at the end of the aisle?”

It’s a lovely question, and the answer is simple: there’s no right or wrong way. This moment belongs to you both so let it feel natural and heartfelt.

Make It Personal

Your wedding ceremony should feel like a reflection of your relationship. That first moment when you reach each other at the end of the aisle is one of the most emotional parts of the day. Whether you’ve walked in together, or one of you has been accompanied down the aisle, how you greet each other is entirely up to you.

I always reassure my couples: this is not a military parade! There’s no need to stand stiffly with a formal posture and a polite smile. If it feels right to hug, kiss, squeeze hands or whisper something lovely, then that’s what you should do. I often gently encourage couples to stand close together after all, you’re getting married!

It's Okay to Speak

Many couples ask whether they need to remain silent at this point. My answer? Not at all! It’s a beautiful time to quietly tell your partner how stunning, handsome, or just downright amazing they look. That spontaneous smile or whispered “wow” often becomes a treasured memory.

If You’re Being Accompanied Down the Aisle...

Whether it’s a parent, sibling or a close friend walking with you, I suggest taking a brief moment before they take their seat. A hug, handshake or warm smile shared with your partner-to-be is a lovely, respectful gesture and sets a beautiful tone for the ceremony.

Holding Hands or Standing Naturally

At the beginning of a UK civil wedding ceremony, the couple typically stands facing the registrar. During this part, feel free to hold hands, link arms, or simply stand side by side whatever feels most natural for you both.

Later, when it’s time for your vows, promises or contracting words, you’ll be invited to turn and face each other, taking one another by both hands. This is a beautiful moment, and your registrar will guide you smoothly through it.

What About the Bouquet?

If you're carrying a bouquet, you’ve got a few options. I usually say to brides (or anyone holding flowers), you can either:

• Hold onto your bouquet until the vows section. I’ll happily take your flowers at that point and place them on the registrar’s table.
• Or, if you’d prefer to have hands free earlier, pass your bouquet to a bridesmaid, a guest in the front row, or to me just before the ceremony starts.

Again, there’s no rule just do what feels right for you.

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Final Thoughts

At the heart of every ceremony is one truth: it’s your day, your way. Don’t worry about what’s “correct” or “expected.” As a registrar, I’ll always guide and support you through every step, helping things flow smoothly and making sure you feel relaxed and at ease.

So whether you choose a tearful hug, a giggle and a kiss, or a hand squeeze with a whispered “let’s do this” know that it’s the perfect way to start your ceremony.

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Who Should You Choose as Your Wedding Witnesses?

 

Who Should You Choose as Your Wedding Witnesses?

One of the important (but sometimes overlooked) decisions when planning a civil ceremony is choosing your witnesses. In England, every wedding requires a minimum of two witnesses (but you can have up to six in my district, check with your registration office for how many they allow, there are also different rules in Scotland) The role of a witness is simple yet significant – they sign the marriage schedule officially witnessing your union.

White fountain pen

The Role of a Witness

Your witnesses are there to confirm that your marriage took place. Legally, they don’t need to know you well, but they must be present for the full ceremony (no nipping out with an upset child) and be able to understand what is happening in the wedding ceremony as well as being able to print and sign their name. In practice, most couples choose people they trust and want to include in their special moment.

Who Can Be a Witness?

Almost anyone can act as a witness if they are old enough to understand the responsibility. There are no minimum age restrictions. Some couples choose to have their children / stepchildren as witnesses. We would expect at least one of the witnesses to be over 18. My youngest witness has been 14, he was witness alongside the couples best man and maid of honour and this worked perfectly.

There are no rules regarding gender, relationship to the couple, or nationality.

Witnesses do not have to provide any ID and if a witness needs to be changed on the day of your ceremony (due to ill health etc) this can be changed by chatting to your registrar during your pre ceremony chat.

Popular Choices for Witnesses

• Family Members – Parents & siblings often take on this role. It’s a meaningful way to include loved ones in the legal aspect of the day.
• Best Friends – Your closest friends will feel honoured to be chosen
• Bridal Party or Groomsmen – If you have a wedding party, picking your maid of honour or best man can be a natural choice.
• Colleagues or Neighbours – Sometimes, couples choose work friends or other close connections who have played a big part in their lives.
• Strangers! – Believe it or not, if you’re eloping or having a very small wedding, registrars can sometimes help find witnesses. I have never personally had to do this, but I know colleagues who have gone into the park opposite my local registration office and asked a stranger if they have the time and would like to come in and be a witness for a couple getting married.

How Many Witnesses Should You Have?

While two is the minimum, having up to six witnesses means more people can share in this official part of the day (six is possible in my local registration district, please check with your local office if this is the same in your area)  

Some couples pick extra witnesses as a way to involve more loved ones in a meaningful role.

From a practical point of view, four names and signatures fit well onto the marriage schedule, six makes things a little tight for space (in my opinion).

Fountain pen in front of flowers

A Few Things to Consider

• Make sure they arrive on time – Witnesses must be present for the entire ceremony.
• They need to be able to sign their name – While literacy isn’t a legal requirement, they should be comfortable with signing official documents.

Ultimately, choosing your witnesses is a personal decision. Whether you opt for family, friends, or even a kind stranger, their role is to stand by you as you say “I do.” And who knows? Signing your marriage schedule could be just as emotional for them as it is for you!

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A Quaich Ceremony and a Personalised Wedding: How One Couple Blended Scottish Tradition with a Statutory Ceremony

 

A Quaich Ceremony and a Personalised Wedding: How One Couple Blended Scottish Tradition with a Statutory Ceremony

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of officiating a truly special wedding ceremony for a couple, B and J, at a stunning venue just outside my usual registrar district. I was introduced to them by a friend who is a wedding planner at the venue—one of the many joys of this job is the connections it brings!

B and J had opted for a statutory wedding ceremony at their local Registration Office two days before the big celebration. This is a simple legal ceremony with just two witnesses present. (More about statutory ceremonies and how they work and how the role of a celebrant differs from that of a registrar in a future blog post!)

It meant they could have their legal marriage registered quietly, then enjoy a personalised wedding ceremony at a venue of their choosing with all their family and friends.

Incorporating Scottish Wedding Traditions

A highlight of their day and one of the reasons for choosing to celebrate their ceremony this way was because they wished to incorporate the Scottish wedding tradition of the Quaich ceremony. The Quaich is a traditional two-handled drinking cup used in Scottish weddings to symbolise trust, unity, and the coming together of two families. This particular ritual was especially meaningful to the bride’s family and was introduced beautifully by her father.

The Quaich (which had been purchased by J’s Mum and Dad as a gift) was filled with a specially selected Scottish whisky and shared between the couple in a heartfelt moment. Here’s the Quaich ceremony wording used on the day by J Senior (the Bride's Dad)

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“Strike hands with me, the glasses brim,
The dew is on the heather.
For love is good and life is long,
And two are best together.
Bless the union of these two,
Eager for marriage, eager for love.
May they begin life together,
Live that life together
And come to the end together.
B and J, it is now time to complete your bond.”

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A Personal Wedding Ceremony That Told Their Story

Before the Quaich ritual, I delivered a fully personalised wedding ceremony for the couple. We shared their story—how they met, what drew them together, and the life they’ve built so far. It was warm, joyful, and full of personality.

Because the legalities were already done, there were no restrictions on what we could include in the ceremony. It was a celebration through and through—and one that reflected their values, their love story, and the things that mattered most to them.

As a wedding registrar, it’s always an honour to be asked to be part of ceremonies like this—where the couple has shaped the day into something uniquely their own.

If you're considering a statutory wedding ceremony or want to explore how to include meaningful traditions like the Quaich in your day, feel free to get in touch.

Until next time,
Tales from the Registrar’s Desk

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🌧️ Rain on Your Wedding Day? Here’s Why It’s Actually Good Luck – Advice from a UK Wedding Registrar

As a British wedding registrar, I’ve seen it all – from glorious sunshine to blustery winds and, yes, plenty of rain! But if there’s one thing I always tell couples, it’s that a little rain should never dampen their big day. In fact, some of the most unforgettable & memorable ceremonies I’ve been part of have taken place under grey skies .

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💧 Rainy Wedding Day? Don’t Panic!

Many couples worry when they wake up to a drizzly wedding morning,  but a rainy wedding day can add a wonderful backdrop. Don’t think of it as a setback—it’s simply a different kind of beautiful. With the right mindset (and maybe an umbrella or two!), your rainy day wedding can feel like something straight out of a romantic film.

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📸 Why Rain Makes for Stunning Wedding Photos

Wedding photographers often embrace the opportunity to capture stunning, atmospheric images—think reflections in puddles, misty landscapes, and soft, diffused lighting that gives photos a dreamy, romantic quality. Those dramatic, windswept shots with a veil caught in the breeze? Amazing memories to be captured.

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☂️ My Top Tip: Always Be Prepared

As a wedding registrar, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. That’s why my trusty rainbow umbrella lives permanently in the boot of my car!

It’s not just practical for outdoor ceremonies—it’s also become a bit of a celebrity prop, borrowed by photographers a few times to create joyful, colourful shots. So if you’re worried about the weather, don’t forget to pack your prettiest brolly!

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🌿 Rain on Your Wedding Day Meaning: A Symbol of Renewal

There’s a lovely symbolism to rain. Across many cultures, it represents renewal, cleansing, and new beginnings—the perfect metaphor for a marriage.

And here’s a charming old saying I often share with couples:

"A wet knot is harder to untie."
So perhaps that little bit of rain is actually a lucky charm for a long and happy marriage.

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💞 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weather

To all the brides and grooms worried about the forecast—don’t be.

Bring out the umbrellas, dance in the drizzle, and let your love shine brighter than the clouds. Your wedding day will be perfect, not because of the weather, but because it’s your special day.

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✅ Rainy Wedding Day Tips at a Glance:

• Pack stylish umbrellas or ponchos for guests

• Keep towels or blankets on hand for outdoor settings

• Work with your photographer to plan creative rainy shots

• Be flexible—and keep a sense of humour!

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