Music and readings at a civil ceremony: what your registrar will ask

A civil ceremony — at a register office or an approved venue — can be as personal as you like, with one firm rule: it has to be free of religious content. That rule covers the music and the readings as well as the words the registrar says, and it catches more couples out than you would think.

What counts as religious

Hymns, religious readings and prayers are out. Music with religious words is out too, and some registrars will not allow a hymn even as an instrumental. Classical pieces and popular songs are fine as long as their words are not religious — but a love song that mentions God or heaven may be refused, so check the lyrics, not only the title.

Send your choices in advance

Registrars ask to see, or hear, your music and readings before the day, and they have the final say. How far ahead varies by council — some ask for readings six weeks before — so ask yours when you book, and send everything at once: every reading's text, and every piece of music with who plays it and when.

Keep a note of what has been approved. It is easy to lose track when one reading is swapped for another in the last month.

Where the music goes

Most civil ceremonies have music in the same places: while guests arrive, for the processional, while you sign the register, and for the recessional as you leave. The signing takes longer than people expect — often five to ten minutes, and your registrar can tell you — so choose something that can run on, or two pieces.

For the processional, decide not just the piece but the cue: which bar, or which lyric, each group sets off on. Your musicians or DJ will want it written down, with where in the track to start if you are skipping an introduction.

And two witnesses

The register is signed by the two of you and two witnesses, who must be there for the whole ceremony. Decide who they are in advance, and tell them.