Oxfordshire, the place to marry Oxfordshire 2017 | Page 44

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S
Celebratory Ceremonies
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COUPLES TO RENEW THEIR COMMITMENT TO EACH OTHER
A celebratory ceremony is a non-religious
ceremony. Not only used on a special
anniversary, such as 10th, 25th or 40th, but
more often held after a ceremony abroad, or an
original low-key wedding, thus enabling family
and friends who were unable to attend, to
enjoy the celebrations and become involved.
Any couple of any age or gender can arrange a
celebratory ceremony. Couples do not have to
live in Oxfordshire.
You will have the chance to work closely
with a professional Celebrant to select from
the options available, and tailor a ceremony
that is special for you and your family. Every
ceremony is different, so you can create
something unique for you to remember and
treasure.
Each ceremony is divided into sections and can
reflect events in your life together, which gives
you the chance to create something personal
and special.
The ceremony can be as simple or as complex
as you wish:
Anniversaries
1st Paper
2nd Cotton
3rd Leather
4th
Fruit, flowers
5th Wood
6th Sugar
7th
Copper, wool
8th
Bronze, pottery
9th
Pottery, willow
10th Tin
11th Steel
12th
Silk, linen
40
Introduction and welcome
Readings or music can be included at
various points
Mention of children of the marriage
Vows/pledges
Exchange of new or additional rings,
or re-dedication of original rings
Signing of Register and certificate
Speech by original wedding guest
Presentation of certificate
Closing words.
We offer celebratory ceremonies in all
Registration Offices and approved premises
within the county. They may be celebrated on
any day of the week except Christmas Day.
Ceremonies on Good Friday, Easter Sunday,
Boxing Day or New Year’s Day will be subject
to staffing availability.
If you would like to use a different venue, for
example a village hall, or a marquee in the
grounds of a hotel or the garden at your home,
this would need to be discussed beforehand
and visited by a member of the Registration
Service to ensure it is a suitable venue for the
ceremony.
13th Lace
14th Ivory
15th Crystal
20th China
25th Silver
30th Pearl
35th Coral
40th Ruby
45th Sapphire
50th Gold
60th Diamond
Oxfordshire: The place to marry