Ceremonies

Wherever you are getting married or forming a civil partnership, we can guide you through the process.

Congratulations if you are getting married or forming a civil partnership!

One of the first things you will need to decide is where you want to celebrate your ceremony. We offer couples a personalised ceremony where you can tailor it to reflect your personality and your own love story.

All of our ceremony registrars are trained to conduct ceremonies with grace and sensitivity and can collaborate with you to incorporate personal touches, meaningful readings and personal vows crafted to resonate with your journey together. This customisation transforms the ceremony into a deeply personal and memorable experience.

Approved venues

North Yorkshire offers a picturesque and romantic setting that serves as an ideal backdrop for couples seeking a memorable wedding ceremony.

The county boasts breathtaking landscapes that effortlessly create a charming atmosphere for weddings. Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of rolling hills, lush greenery and historic architecture.

Beyond its natural beauty, North Yorkshire provides a wonderfully diverse range of venues including town centre hotels, historic castles, stately homes, coastal venues, rural farms, wedding barns and more.

With it’s stunning architecture and iconic landmarks, North Yorkshire offers a timeless setting for couples looking to create lasting memories on their special day.

Couples choosing a North Yorkshire venue for their wedding can expect a blend of natural beauty, historical richness and warm hospitality, making it a perfect destination for a romantic and unforgettable celebration of love.

Take a look at all of our approved venues

Outdoors at an approved venue

Many of our venues offer legal ceremonies outdoors which can take place in the grounds of the venue, without the need for a licensed structure. Not all venues will be able to offer this though and you must always remember that if the weather is wet or inclement, the registrars will not be able to wait for the weather to clear, as they will have other ceremonies to attend that day.

The venue must agree and also reserve an alternative ceremony room for you in case your ceremony needs to be conducted indoors. Your chosen venue and wedding coordinator will be able to offer advice and suggestions.

Ceremonies are held outside in daylight hours between the months of April and October.

Registration office

Just like those we offer at venues, we offer personalised ceremonies at all of our registration offices. You can choose your own music, personally select meaningful readings and choose extra vows if you wish. With a focus on meaningful connections, these ceremonies create an intimate atmosphere, making them memorable celebrations of love.

Registration office weddings can be just as personalised and special as any other wedding!

The registration offices are designed to facilitate a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring you and your guests feel comfortable and at ease. 

There is also a basic ceremony option (a standard ceremony) where you can get married or create a civil partnership. It is available at for the statutory fee, however, only two guests are allowed that will act as your witnesses. Witnesses must be age 16 or over. Children of the couple under the age of 16 will not count towards the two guests. 

No music, readings, extra vows or photography, (including pictures taken by guests) are permitted and there is no ceremony room set up. This basic ceremony option is available at all registration offices on selected dates only, so availability is limited.

Availability of standard ceremonies

  • Harrogate – the second Tuesday of the month
  • Malton – the first Monday of the month
  • Northallerton – the first Monday of the month
  • Richmond – the first Wednesday of the month
  • Scarborough- the first Wednesday of the month
  • Selby – the first Wednesday of the month
  • Skipton – the second Tuesday of the month
  • Whitby – the first Tuesday of the month

Religious Ceremonies

A religious wedding can take place at any registered religious building.

Same-sex couples can get married in a religious building if it has been registered for the marriage of same-sex couples. You cannot get married in an Anglican church as a same-sex couple.

Check with the venue if there is an authorized person. If not, and your church is within the registration district of North Yorkshire, you’ll need to book a registrar through our ceremonies team. Contact us.

Booking the registrar

Once you have decided on your North Yorkshire venue, you will need to book the registrar.

Please contact us and let the team know your preferred dates and venue and they will be happy to contact you with availability and prices or to take your booking.

Find out more about booking your ceremony