A registry office wedding requires that you speak to the
registrar at least 21 days in advance, but no more than three months
beforehand. Both you and your partner must have been resident in the
district for seven days; if you live in different areas then both the
relevant registrars should be informed.
A registry office wedding lasts about a quarter of an hour, and it's a
good idea for the wedding party to be at the office 10 minutes early. The
marriage can subsequently be blessed in church, with the permission of the
minister.
Each faith has its own way of administering second marriages, and
officially the Church of England does not permit divorcees to marry in
church. However, it is ultimately up to the discretion of the individual
priest. The Catholic Church is more strict - not only does it
categorically prohibit divorcees to remarry in church whilst the 'ex' is
still alive, but a church blessing is also impossible. Many of the
nonconformist churches take a more tolerant approach to second marriages,
and if you are a divorcee keen to wed in church it is worth making a few
enquiries.
