the civil ceremony

Are you currently planning your wedding and not sure where to seat your guests? Balancing all the different family dynamics, friendship groups, and personalities can seem like a monumental task – but it all becomes worth it when you see the people you love most chatting, laughing, and celebrating together. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wedding seating arrangements in 2026, and share our top tips to help you build the perfect wedding table plan.

If you’re newly engaged and starting to plan your big day, one of the first questions you might ask is: what actually happens at a UK wedding ceremony? While the wedding breakfast and evening party often steal the spotlight on social media, it’s the ceremony that truly matters. It’s the moment you make your promises. The part your guests will remember long after the confetti has settled. And the beginning of everything that follows. Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony at a licensed wedding venue, a church wedding, a humanist ceremony or a celebrant-led celebration, here’s exactly what to expect - along with the legal elements you’ll need to include in 2026 and 2027.