Anything you do to personalise your ceremony is completely included in your fee; no hidden extras! We would ask, however, that you provide your own enhancement objects if you wish to taken them home with you.
Candles
Couples may choose to light a Unity Candle during their ceremony to represent their union. Candles can also be used to remember absent family or friends or to symbolise children or the joining together of two families (ask the Registrar what you will require for the ceremony)
Handfasting
The ancient Scots ceremony of handfasting has proved popular with many couples following the 1995 movie, Braveheart in which Mel Gibson, in the role of William Wallace, was handfasted with his girlfriend Murron.
"Handfasting" was the word used by the ancient Celts to describe their traditional trial-marriage ceremony, during which couples were literally bound together. The handfasting was a temporary agreement, that expired after a year and a day. However, it could be made permanent after at that time, if both spouses agreed.. This ritual is the source of the expression "to tie the knot." In 1820, Sir Walter Scott referred to this ritual in his book "The Monastery:" The registrar will be happy to discuss how this ancient tradition can be incorporated into your ceremony.
Sand Ceremony
You can symbolise your union through marriage by incorporating a "sand ceremony" into your civil wedding. During this part of the ceremony the bride and groom pour two vessels of sand together into a third vessel, to represent the coming together of their lives. It is impossible to separate these grains of sand once they have joined together which symbolises the unity and eternity of your marriage. Sand can be used from different locations which may hold a particular significance for the bride and groom. Alternately coloured sands may be used to provide a reminder of the ceremony. This is also an excellent way of including children in the ceremony as they can participate with their own colours of sand as well, signifying a family bond.
Warming of the rings
During the ceremony the bride and grooms wedding rings will be passed throughout the guests and they will be invited to take part in the warming of the rings Their weddings rings will be passed amongst the guests and they will be asked that they wish the couple both health and happiness and all that is noble in life. Each guest will hold them for a moment, warm them with their love and make a silent wish for the couple and their future together. When the rings come back they will contain, in their precious metal, that which is more precious – that which is priceless – their love, hope and pledge of support for the couples union.
Quaich Ceremony
The Quaich, a two handled loving cup, is an ancient Scottish tradition that seals the bond of two people and marks the blending of two families. The Quaich represents trust. The two handed nature of the Quaich means that the drinker cannot be holding a weapon while they are drinking and the sharing of the cup proves that there is no poison. It symbolizes the love and trust implied by the bond, as the new couple shares the first drink of their marriage together. This can also be used to join the two families together which can also include the parents taking part in the ceremony.
You will require to have a Quaich and whisky or similar for the ceremony.
Box Ceremony
The couple will require a box with 2 locks, 2 glasses a bottle of champagne or wine and a letter from each the bride and groom. The box will be locked at the ceremony and can only be opened when both are together, either at 5/10 year anniversary, unless the couple find troubles sooner they will open the box read the letters and share the bottle, which brings them back to the reason they were together. Each time you open the box the letters will be returned new letters added and a new bottle, the box will be locked and opened in the next 5/10 years.
Oathing Stone
It is believed that holding the stone during the reading of the vows, casts them into the stone. The Oathing Stone ceremony originated in Scotland. It is believed that an oath given near a stone or water was considered more binding. This evolved into the couple holding their hands together on a stone as they repeat their wedding vows.
Themed Ceremony
Lots of couples have a theme to their Wedding celebrations and some like to include this also in the ceremony. Please speak with the registrar if you would like this included in your ceremony.
There are many enhancements you can have during your ceremony some of which are mentioned above, however if there is anything which is not mentioned or you would like to have a variation of the above, your own suggestions as welcome, speak to the registrar when organising the ceremony of your choice. It is “Your Day Your Way” we want you to be relaxed and enjoy your special ceremony, your registrar will make every effort to make this a ceremony of your choice, but will also guide you through at the same time.
