On the day of the ceremony at Belfast City Hall
Timing
This is a busy office and we may have ceremonies every hour. To be fair to other couples, it is essential that you keep to your timetable, or we may have to reschedule your ceremony.
Access
Pedestrian access is through the front or back entrance of City Hall. There will usually be parking available in the rear courtyard only. This can accommodate two vehicles from Monday to Friday and up to four vehicles on a Saturday. A stretch limousine may count as two vehicles.
You should book your cars in and supply all vehicle registration numbers to City Hall security at least one week before your ceremony. Parking is not guaranteed. To book a vehicle, email civicservices@belfastcity.gov.uk. If you need to make a last minute booking on the day of your ceremony, call 028 9027 0233. Bookings for weekends or bank holidays should be registered before 4pm on Friday.
Your ceremony in City Hall includes photo opportunities on the marble staircase after the ceremony. You will be informed if for any reason that is not possible. The time available is 15 minutes.
Formalities
You need two witnesses over the age of 16 years to sign the schedule. Dress is your choice – casual or formal wear. You can choose to carry flowers and you may also bring fresh flowers for the room. Rings are not essential but may be given or exchanged. Ushers can be very helpful but are not essential for your ceremony. The Registrar will be busy with the couple and cannot direct guests. We would recommend ushers for a large ceremony.
The ceremony room holds seating for a maximum of 80 people. All guests must be seated.
Photographs
We would encourage you to have photographs of your ceremony. If you aren’t having a professional photographer, your guests can take photographs with your permission. The Registrar will make an announcement regarding photographs before the ceremony and clarify any boundaries with the photographer.
You may also video the ceremony and live streaming is available.
If you would prefer your ceremony not to be shared on social media, let the Registrar know and they will inform your guests.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises. This includes electronic cigarettes.
Music
Non-religious music is welcome at your ceremony. A lot of couples choose to have live musicians at their ceremony or you can play music from a playlist on your smart phone. We have a Bose system, which we can connect to your device.
The Registrar will play some background music as your guests arrive. For your playlist, we recommend about four songs. They may be played at these times:
- entrance
- signing of the schedule
- exit.
Enhancing your ceremony
You can enhance your ceremony and make it more personal in several ways:
- your own music
- your own vows
- non-religious reading
- hand tying ceremony
- sand ceremony.
Speak to the Registrar about any of these options by calling 028 9027 0455. The following are not permitted:
- religious words or music
- confetti, rice or candles
- animals other than assistance dogs
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