What is a Civil Ceremony?

A Civil Ceremony contains no religious elements or anything with religious connotations. It is carried out by the Superintendent Registrar or Deputy and registered by the Registrar or Deputy. It can take place after 8am and before 6pm, (subject to staffing arrangements) and the service can last from 10 - 30 minutes. Woodlands Manor room is fully licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies and couples can also make use of the patio for outdoor ceremonies providing the ceremony itself takes place under the canopy of the Manor Room.

The fees for the attendance of registration staff to celebrate and register the marriage are dealt with directly between each couple and the Kent County Council Superintendent Registrar but Woodlands can assist with this process.

Civil Partnership

Same sex couples wishing to formalise their relationship may do so by registering as a civil partnership. Couples may accompany and enhance the registration with a civil partnership ceremony.

The registration of your civil partnership is special to you - and Kent County Council has provided a range of choices for you - whether you choose either a basic registration or a registration and ceremony.

The civil partnership ceremony can be traditional or perhaps a less formal occasion.

To enter into a civil partnership couples must be:

• Of the same sex
• Not already in a civil partnership or lawful marriage
• Not closely related to one another
• Aged 18 or over
• Not subject to immigration control

If this procedure appears daunting in any way - do not despair - the Kent County Council Civil Partnership team is there to help and provide assistance for your special day.