Celebrate in Buckinghamshire - Buckinghamshire County Council

civil marriages
civil partnerships
renewing vows
ceremony of naming
nationality checking
citizenship ceremonies

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
WELCOME
Firstly, many congratulations on your
Forthcoming celeBrations.
We are delighted that you have chosen the beautiful and
charming county of Buckinghamshire for your ceremony.
We have over 60 wonderful licensed venues and two
excellent registration offices conveniently located throughout
the county offering you great flexibility and choice.
this publication has been created to help guide you through
the legal formalities and personal choices in planning your
special day. our experienced and professional staff will do
everything they can to ensure that your ceremony is
everything you would wish it to be, and becomes a lasting
and wonderful memory for you and your guests.
Buckinghamshire registration service
contents
04 - 05 Buckinghamshire - the county
08 - 09 Planning your wedding
10 - 11 notice of marriage, fees
12 - 13 organising your wedding day
14 - 15 Before your wedding
16 - 17 the day of your wedding
18 - 19 the marriage ceremony
21 - 24 Poetry and readings
26 your wedding checklist
28 - 30 civil partnerships
‘‘
A personal service.
The Registrar was fabulous
and professional at all times
’’
32 licensed venues in the county
33 map of Buckinghamshire
35 Buckinghamshire register office, aylesbury
36 - 37 Beaconsfield old town registration office
38 renewing vows
39 ceremony of naming
40 nationality checking service
41 citizenship ceremonies
42 customer service standards
42 index of advertisers
Published by: Buckinghamshire registration service,
Buckinghamshire register office,
county hall, aylesbury hP20 1XF.
telephone: 01296 383005
e-mail: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
Photographs courtesy of:
louis Debenham, nigel harper, marion mason, Photopro,
soPhoto, stephen thorpe, the Bridal Photographer.
Designed and produced by:
the Design Place,
23 mitchell hill, truro, cornwall tr1 1eD.
telephone: 01872 271414
e-mail: info@the-design-place.co.uk
www.the-design-place.co.uk
reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the written consent of
the publisher. all information is correct at the time of print. 2012
03

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Come and Celebrate your speCial day in beautiful buCkinghamshire.
Whatever the occasion, be it a wedding, civil partnership, renewal of vows or a naming ceremony,
Buckinghamshire is sure to offer a location to suit you, your family and friends. you could choose a small
intimate venue in a tiny hamlet or a grand stately home or manor house with sweeping grounds and
ornate gardens steeped in history.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
a great Place to celeBrate
Buckinghamshire is a county of contrasts with
an abundance of history and heritage, culture
and countryside.
in the south of the county the thames Valley meets the
chilterns. this delightful area is within the metropolitan
green belt, and metroland is immortalised in the poetry
of John Betjeman. the river thames attracts many
visitors to marlow with its independent shops and cafes;
and yet it is only a stone’s throw from unspoilt chiltern
landscape, with rolling hills, beech woods and red kites
soaring in the skies above.
high Wycombe, historically a chair making town, has a
new shopping centre and many facilities for residents
and visitors alike.
the award winning chiltern railway line serves
Beaconsfield, high Wycombe, Princes risborough and
haddenham en-route to Bicester and Birmingham,
whilst the aylesbury line passes through latimer,
amersham, great missenden, Wendover and stoke
mandeville. the beautiful views through the carriage
window are a delight to the eye.
With excellent motorway links and easy connections to
airports, travel in Buckinghamshire could not be easier.
Buckinghamshire is BlesseD with an extensive
network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths.
the ridgeway Path passes through the county
affording fantastic views from many points.
the Wendover and aylesbury arms of the grand
union canal used to provide transportation through
Buckinghamshire but are now mainly used for leisure,
and are havens for wildlife.
T
he county has many national trust properties
all of which have strong links with historical
figures and events. there are sports centres, garden
centres and golf courses galore, but for those who
prefer a slower pace of life Buckinghamshire provides
the habitat for many wild species of plants and animals,
some of which are protected. these include bats and
the edible dormouse or glis glis. roman snails, also
edible, can be seen on the chalky slopes of the chiltern
hills along with glow worms and many wild flowers
such as orchids and wild marjoram. the bluebell woods
in the spring often provide inspiration for the many
artists and photographers who live in the county.
in the north is the former county town of Buckingham
once famous for lace making and now home of Britain’s
only independent university. the villages in the Vale of
aylesbury have a character of their own and offer a
variety of venues. Florence nightingale and Benjamin
Disraeli both lived in Buckinghamshire, as have many
actors, politicians and pop stars.
so come and celebrate in beautiful
Buckinghamshire, you will not be
disappointed!
Pictured opposite:
1 The Vale of Aylesbury
2 The Palladian Bridge, Stowe Landscape Gardens
3 Bluebell Woods
4 West Wycombe Park
5 Grand Union Canal - Marsworth to Wolverton
6 Windmill at Brill
7 Red Kite over The Chilterns
8 The Chiltern Hills
04

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
1
2 3 4
5 6
7 8
05

NEWLAND
PARK MANOR
THE PERFECT VENUE
weddings | corporate events | marquee events | film shoots
newland Park manor is a unique and exquisitely
beautiful venue situated in its own private parkland –
yet still within easy reach of london. it’s difficult
to imagine a more romantic setting for a wedding –
be it a civil wedding or partnership, an asian or Jewish
wedding. newland Park manor will cast a magical
spell on any formal occasion and wedding party...
this fairytale manor house provides the perfect
all year round setting for your wedding day dreams,
complete with a grand hallway, sweeping staircase,
magnificent wood panelled rooms and tranquil
stone walled gardens with two large marquee spaces.
let us set the scene for the most magical day of your
lifetime and enchant you and your guests...
l
l
l
licensed to hold Civil marriage
& partnership ceremonies
exclusive Venue hire available
external Caterers welcome
l
l
l
l
lavish & luxurious manor interiors
ample parking for Cars & Coaches
benefits excellent motorway links
the perfect marquee Wedding location
WHY NOT GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT MORE
newland park manor, gorelands lane,
Chalfont st giles, bucks hp8 4ab
t 01494 874 669
e info@newlandmanor.com
w www.newlandmanor.com

THE KINGS HOTEL
Stokenchurch
For a limited period only the Kings Hotel is offering fantastic
wedding reception packages from £49.00 per person
The ideal venue
for Weddings
And your Celebrations,
Entertaining, Meetings,
Eating Out & Sleeping
l
l
l
l
l
Stunning contemporary venue offering exceptional
value for your wedding day
Bespoke wedding packages to suit all budgets
Picturesque village green setting ideal for photographs
Our committed team have the extensive knowledge and
expertise to create your perfect day
Fully licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships
... always in style
The Kings Hotel, Oxford Road,
Stokenchurch, Off Junction 5, M40
call 01494 609090
www.kingshoteluk.com

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Planning ‘‘
Thank you so much for
a perfect wedding
’’
YOUR WEDDING
SoPhoto
You may marry in our ceremony rooms in
aylesbury and Beaconsfield or in one of the
licensed venues of your choice.
in Buckinghamshire, we have over 60 licensed venues
to choose from, providing beautiful and stunning
settings for civil weddings. many licensed venues will
also, if you wish, arrange your reception for you.
P
reparing for your wedding day is exciting
with so many choices available to you -
you may just want a small wedding with a simple
ceremony, or you may want a theme to take account
of the history and architectural style of the venue
you have chosen. Perhaps you see yourself dressed
in 18th century style or maybe you see your guests
enjoying the reception on the terrace of a country
house. Whatever your choice, we are here to make
your wedding day special to you.
Bookings can be taken up to 24 months ahead of
time. to contact us please call - aylesbury area
01296 382481 or Wycombe area 01494 475092.
Please note - at the time of booking you will need to
pay a non-refundable booking fee.
you can marry on any day of the week, but we do
not work on christmas Day, Boxing Day, new year’s
Day, good Friday or easter sunday.
Before you can marry there are certain formalities
which are required by law. you must both attend
the register office in the district in which you live to
inform them of your intention to marry. this is called
giving notice (see page 10). a notice of marriage
may be given up to 12 months in advance of the
wedding day.
once you have chosen your venue and made a
provisional booking you need to contact us to
check the registrars are available on the day and
at the time you want. it is essential you do this
before making any other arrangements.
‘‘
We would like to thank your
staff for making our day so
special and relaxed
08

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
There are many things
to organise when you
are getting married, but don't
forget to notify the passport
authorities if you are changing
your name.
Due to the recent increases in
security measures, you may no
longer travel in your maiden name and have your
passport in your married name, or travel in your
married name and have your passport in your maiden
name.
it is not sufficient to take your marriage certificate as
a form of identification when you check-in. so if you
have recently married, but have not yet changed your
Photopro
changes
to your
PassPort
name in your passport, please
ensure that any flight booking
is also made in your maiden
name.
you can change your passport
details at any time up to three
months before the wedding,
although you will not be able
to use your passport until the actual day of your
wedding. to do this you will need to apply to the
Passport office for a new standard uk passport.
alternatively, the Passport office will amend your
existing passport to show your future married name.
application forms are available at Post offices and
you will need to complete a PD2 form as well.
Both forms can also be downloaded from
www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information.
once you have given your notice, the forms can be
filled in. the registrar conducting your ceremony will
need to complete the PD2 form for you. this should
then be sent to the Passport office, together with
the application for a passport or amendment to your
passport.
Remember, if you are going abroad on honeymoon,
book any travel tickets in the name you will have in
your passport at the time of travelling.
religious marriages
iF you are Planning a church oF englanD WeDDing you shoulD
Visit the Vicar oF the Parish Where you liVe.
I
f you want to be married in the church
of another christian denomination or in
the church or building of another religion, you must
give notice in the same way as for a marriage in a
register office or licensed venue.
if the church in which you intend to marry is not
in the district where you live, it must be the usual
place of worship for one or both of you.
Nigel Harper
if this is not the case you will need to create a
residence in that district – please phone us for
advice on this.
09

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
NOTICE of
MARRIAGE
you Will eaCh be required to
attend in person to giVe an
indiVidual notiCe.
I
f you both reside in Buckinghamshire then you
can attend either of our offices to give notice.
if you reside in separate registration districts, each of you
will be required to give notice in the district in which
you live. We are happy to advise you further on any of
these matters.
giving notice means declaring that you are both free
to marry each other and you will be required to
provide certain documents. you may give notice up
to one year before the date of your wedding. you will
need to make an appointment at the register office in
the district in which you live. if you live in
Buckinghamshire please call either - aylesbury area
01296 382481 or Wycombe area 01494 475092.
if you live outside Buckinghamshire and would like
details of your local office please do not hesitate to
call us on either number.
When you give notice, the registrar will ask questions
about you and your partner. you will be asked for your
full names and addresses, your ages, whether either of
you has been married before, your occupations and
your nationalities. if you are not a British or eea citizen,
new legislation may apply, so please contact us. you will
also have to specify the venue of your marriage.
once notices have been given this cannot be changed,
so if you decide on a different venue you will have to
give new notices and pay a further statutory fee for this.
Nigel Harper
it is necessary for you and your partner to give us proof
of identity. Passports should be used, but we may accept
two other documents, one of which should be a birth
certificate together with another document such as a
driving licence. if you have no passport and you were
born after 1st January 1983 you must produce a full
birth certificate showing your parents details to prove
nationality. you also need to provide proof of your
address. Please bring along a recently dated council tax
or utility bill or a bank statement. If you arrive at the
appointment without your documentation we may not be
able to take your Notice.
if either of you has been married or formed a civil
partnership before, you will need documents to show
your last marriage or civil partnership has legally ended.
all documents must be originals and not photocopies.
any person whose divorce or dissolution was granted in
england or Wales, must produce their Decree absolute
bearing the original seal or stamp of the court. if the
divorce or dissolution took place in another country,
you should bring the original document. if either of you
is widowed, you will need to produce your late partner’s
death certificate.
Foreign documents should be accompanied by a certified
english translation.
if you are under 18, you will need proof of your parents’
or guardians’ consent. you can do this by asking them to
fill in a form which we will supply.
10

Photopro
Photopro
To give a marriage notice,
you and your partner must
have lived in england or Wales for
at least nine days immediately before
you give notice.
if you are creating a residency, you
must give your respective notices
to the register office before either
of you leave the address where you
have created your residency, be it
in the same or different districts.
it does not matter if either of you
then moves to a different address
after this time.
after giving notice you must allow
at least fifteen clear days before you
can marry. your marriage must then
take place within 12 months of the
date you gave notice, at the venue
specified on the notice.
if you are marrying in another
district, you will need to take the
certificate for marriage to that
district before the day of the
wedding. the registrar will tell
you when your certificate for
marriage is due to be issued.
‘‘
We were truly
made to feel that
our wedding was
very special
Fees
’’
Nigel
Harper
all fees are payable four months ahead of your ceremony date.
cheques are to be made payable to Buckinghamshire county
council. if you would like to make payment by debit or credit
card, please call us to do this. For details of all fees please see
our website www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/fees.page
or call us on aylesbury area 01296 382481 or Wycombe area
01494 475092.
Please note - our fees increase annually on 1st January.
check our website for the correct fee payable for your ceremony.
any ceremonies being held after the fee increase will attract the
new fee no matter when the ceremony was booked.
our cancellation Policy
in the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your ceremony,
you will be required to notify us in writing as soon as possible.
the amount you will be refunded depends on the amount of
notice of the cancellation provided. in all cases detailed below
the relevant date is the original date that the ceremony was
booked for unless the date of your ceremony has been brought
forward from the original date - in these cases the relevant date
will be that of the new ceremony.
v more than four months notice of cancellation prior to the
ceremony you will receive a full refund of the balance fee
(less the non-refundable booking fee).
v Between four months and three months notice of cancellation
prior to the ceremony date you will receive a 50% refund
of the ceremony fee (less the non-refundable booking fee).
v less than three months notice of cancellation prior to the
ceremony date (or failure to cancel in writing) there will
be no refund.
Please note, if you have to cancel the date of your ceremony
an administration charge of £25.00 will be deducted from any
monies being refunded which is in addition to the non-refundable
£50 booking fee.
For full details of our terms and conditions please visit
http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/fees.page
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
11

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
organising
YOUR WEDDING DAY
W
hether you choose a
registration office or one
of our licensed venues, there are
many ways in which we can help
to make your day special and
personal.
Nigel Harper
12
here are a few ideas you may wish
to consider:
v you may wish to follow the
tradition of not seeing one
another before the ceremony
v the bride may wish to be
escorted into the ceremony
room and/or formally given
away by her father or another
person of her choice
v the bride may like to be
attended by bridesmaids,
flower girls and pageboys
v you may like to say additional
vows to each other after the
legal contracting words
v if you wish, the marriage may
be sealed by the giving and
receiving of rings
each of our registration offices can
provide wedding music, or you can
provide us with music which has
special meaning for you and your
partner. the music may be live or
on cD and can be played while
your guests are arriving, as you
walk into the room, when you are
signing the register and at the end
as you lead your guests from the
ceremony room.
another way to make a
ceremony more personal is to
include a reading. We have
included a selection of popular
texts and poems in this brochure
(see pages 21 to 24). you may
read one during the ceremony,
you may ask one of your guests
to do this for you or the registrar
will happily perform the reading.
alternatively, you may use your
own poetry or prose but for legal
reasons, this, as with any music
played, must not have any religious
content or connotation. if you
would like to include any of the
ideas mentioned above, or if you
have ideas of your own please
contact us.
Please ensure you complete and
return the green options form to
us, with the fee for your ceremony,
four months before the date of
your wedding. the options form
can also be found on our website
at www.bucks.gov.uk/bcc/
registrars/your_ceremony.page
‘‘
We were given
a lovely service -
Thank you
’’
The Bridal Photographer

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
getting married outside
SoPhoto
All of us here in
Buckinghamshire
registration service know how
important your special day and
ceremony is to you and your family
and friends. We will do all that we
can to ensure that it lives up to
your expectations.
the law of this country does not
allow for a ceremony to take place
outside. all the legal requirements
of a ceremony must be held within
a permanent, immovable structure,
with a fixed roof and solid floor.
this needs to be large enough to
accommodate the couple, two
registrars, two witnesses and a
table large enough to prepare the
paperwork.
more and more couples are
planning for their ceremony to
be held outside in some type of
garden structure and we are happy
to try and accommodate this
during the summer months of may
to september. in fact we all love
conducting ceremonies ‘outside’!
however, the great British summer
being what it is, that is not always
possible. the main reason that a
ceremony may not take place in
the outside structure is inclement
weather. inclement weather can
include rain (or the likelihood
of showers), wind, very cold
conditions (under 16 degrees),
very hot and sunny with no shade
for guests and any other extreme
conditions. it is also a legal
requirement that the marriage
registers and civil partnership
schedules (and all other legal
paperwork) must be kept dry and
in pristine condition at all times.
guests need to feel comfortable
and be able to hear the ceremony,
and following feedback from our
customers, it has become clear that
occasionally couples have set their
hearts unrealistically on an outside
ceremony, sometimes forgetting
their guests’ needs.
Please do not let it spoil your day
if the ceremony cannot take place
outside, for whatever reason.
make plans for your chosen room
inside too – and consider it a
bonus if the weather is kind to you.
if you choose a venue which offers
an outside ceremony option and
you want to aim for this, you will
be asked to sign an agreement
confirming that the final decision
as to whether a ceremony will
take place outside will be made
by the registrars undertaking the
ceremony. Details of the
agreement can be found on our
website under civil Weddings
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
SoPhoto
13

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Pictures above: Photopro
‘‘
Everyone was very friendly
and welcoming, from the first
phone call to the ceremony
’’
BeFore your WeDDing
We recognise that your ceremony is very
special to both you and your guests and
we will always endeavour to provide the best
possible service to reflect this.
however, we will be performing a number of
ceremonies on the same day and would ask for
your co-operation to ensure that your ceremony
starts punctually.
this enables us to organise and perform your
ceremony without the need to hurry and
provides us with sufficient time to travel to the
next ceremony. if you are late arriving, this may
affect the amount of time we can devote to you;
it may delay your ceremony until later in the day
or an alternative day.
Pictures below: The Bridal Photographer
14

ContaCting you
before the Ceremony
if you are marrying in an approved venue, the
person conducting the ceremony will be in touch
by telephone usually during the week leading up
to your big day to talk through your ceremony
with you, offer advice and answer any questions.
registrars’ arriVal
if your ceremony is in an approved venue, the
registrars will arrive at least 30 minutes before
the time of the ceremony; we try to be there
45 minutes before.
seating
Please check with your venue the maximum
number of people allowed in the room the
ceremony is being held in. under their fire
regulations these numbers must not be exceeded.
Witnesses
you will need to ask two people, who may be
friends or relatives, if they will witness your
ceremony. your witnesses must be old enough
to understand the ceremony and their role in it.
all they will have to do is watch and listen to the
ceremony and sign the register.
Confetti
some venues may have restrictions on throwing
confetti; please check with them.
photos and Videos
your guests are more than welcome to take
photographs before, by arrangement during,
and after the ceremony. at the end of the
ceremony there will be time for photographs
with the register and perhaps the registrars.
if you would like someone to make a video
recording, please let the registrar know so a
suitable position can be agreed. For safety
reasons we cannot allow extra lighting and all
the recording equipment must run on batteries.
mobile phones and pagers
Please ask your guests to turn these off before
coming into the ceremony room. Please also be
aware that food and drink are not permitted in
any of the ceremony rooms.

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Nigel Harper
Nigel Harper
Louis Debenham
the Day oF your
WeDDing
‘‘
All of our guests
commented on what
a lovely service the
Registrars conducted.
They were warm
welcoming and
professional.
A magical day
’’
16
We look forward to sharing with you the joy
and happiness of your wedding day. here
are some simple guidelines to help you through.
We do not want to rush your ceremony nor be
forced to postpone it, so please ensure you and
your guests arrive on time. remember there may
be traffic delays or a photo call before the ceremony.
the ceremony is attended by two registrars -
one to deliver the ceremony and the other is
responsible for ensuring that all the information
which is to be entered into the marriage register
is correct on the day.
We have to meet with both the bride and groom
immediately before the ceremony to re-check the
information you gave during your notice of
marriage; this is a legal requirement.

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Stephen Thorpe
Photopro
Photopro
Weddings in an approVed Venue
couples seeing each other before the ceremony or arriving together - we would ask that you
are both available to see the registrars at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
couples not seeing each other before the ceremony - the groom must be available to see
the registrars at least 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. the bride must be available
to see the registrars at least 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. if you are getting ready
at the venue we are happy to see you in your room but we will need to find a quiet area to
do this.
additionally, the registrar will ask each of you to give your father’s full name and occupation.
these details will be recorded in the register and on your marriage certificate. they will be
happy to answer any last minute questions you may have about the ceremony or any of the
other arrangements.
Weddings in a register offiCe
couples seeing each other before the ceremony should arrive with your guests at least
15 minutes before the ceremony start time.
For couples not seeing each other before the ceremony, the groom should arrive 20 minutes
before the ceremony start time and the bride 10 minutes. Please wait outside until the usher
or registrar greets you.
17

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
SoPhoto
the marriage ceremony
This is your special day and there is no need to be nervous or worried about the ceremony. The Registrars are there
to help and guide you through all you have to do. There are words prescribed by law which you must say. These words
declare you are free to marry and contract your marriage. There are various combinations of the declaratory words
and contracting words. You will be asked to choose one set of words from each list below before the day.
deClaratory Words
v “i do solemnly declare that i know not
of any lawful impediment why i, (your full
name), may not be joined in matrimony to
(your partner’s full name)”, or
v “i declare that i know of no legal reason
why i, (your full name), may not be joined
in marriage to (your partner’s full name)”, or
v By replying “i am” to the question “are you,
(your full name) free lawfully to marry (your
partner’s full name)”
ContraCting Words
v “i call upon these persons here present
to witness that i (your full name), do take
thee, (your partner’s full name) to be my
lawful wedded wife/husband”,
or
v “i, (your full name), take you (your partner’s
full name) to be my wedded wife/husband”
or
v “i, (your full name), take thee (your partner’s
full name) to be my wedded wife/husband”
I
f you would like to make extra vows to each other, we are happy to discuss this with you. We can
provide you with examples of extra vows, or you may wish to create your own. Please ensure the
registrar has seen these words before the ceremony.
During the ceremony the registrar will record the marriage in the marriage register, which you and your
witnesses must then sign. the bride will sign in the name by which she was known before the ceremony.
the registrars will then sign the register and the marriage certificate will be presented to the bride. if you
would like extra copies of your certificate we would be more than happy to post these to you afterwards.
the ceremony will last for around half an hour.
When thinking about the number of guests that you will invite, please consider the size of the room and check
that everyone will be able to hear the registrar. We want all guests to be able to hear the ceremony and if
you think that this may be a problem, please provide amplification.
18

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Photopro
Photopro
a ceremony generally
lasts around 30 minutes
depending on the music
and readings you include.
suggesteD orDer oF ceremony
v Pre-arrival music (approx 15 minutes)
v Entrance music (approx 2 minutes)
Arrival of the bride
v Welcome & Introduction
Reading option
v Legal statements
v Declaratory words
Reading option
v Contracting words
v Additional vows
v Giving/exchanging of rings
Reading option
v Signing of register with music (approx 6 minutes)
v Photographs
v Presentation of the certificate
v Bride & groom lead out
v Exit music (approx 5 minutes)

For the happiest
and most romantic
day of your life....
The Bedford Arms Hotel
Chenies, Nr. Chorleywood, Herts. WD3 6EQ
l Licensed for Civil Weddings l English Country Garden
l Catering for up to 150 guests in the Restaurant or Marquee
l AA Rosetted Food. Wedding Breakfast to Gala Buffet
l Four Poster Honeymoon Suite with Jacuzzi
l Superb Guest Accommodation
Why not make an appointment to sit down with us
to discuss your thoughts and ideas
For further details please telephone 01923 283301
Email: contact@bedfordarms.co.uk l www.bedfordarms.co.uk

&
Poetry
reaDings
Vows
Today begins my walk with you
Where you go, I go
Where you stay, I stay
When you sleep, I will sleep
When you rise, I will rise
I will pass my days
Within the sound of your voice,
And my nights
Within the reach of your hand,
And none shall come between us.
This I vow.
I Wanna Be Yours John Cooper Clarke
I wanna be your vacuum cleaner
Breathing in your dust,
I wanna be your Ford Cortina
I will never rust,
If you like your coffee hot
Let me be your coffee pot,
You call the shots,
I wanna be yours.
I wanna be your raincoat
For those frequent rainy days,
I wanna be your dreamboat
When you want to sail away,
Let me be your teddy bear
Take me with you anywhere,
I don’t care,
I wanna be yours.
I wanna be your electric meter
I will not run out,
I wanna be the electric heater
You’ll get cold without,
I wanna be your setting lotion
Hold your hair in deep devotion,
Deep as the deep Atlantic Ocean
That’s how deep is my devotion.
Photopro
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
I Wanna Grow Old With You Adam Sandler
I wanna make you smile,
Whenever you’re sad.
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad.
All I wanna do,
Is grow old with you.
I’ll get you medicine,
When your tummy aches.
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks.
Oh it could be so nice,
Growin’ old with you.
I’ll miss you, kiss you,
Give you my coat when you are cold.
Need you, feed you.
Even let you hold the remote control.
So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink.
Put you to bed when you’ve had too much to drink.
Oh I could be the man,
Who grows old with you.
I wanna grow old with you.
Gravitation Albert Einstein
Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling
in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry
and physics so important a biological phenomenon as love
Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like
an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it seems
like a minute. That's relativity.
If I Could Write Words Spike Milligan
If I could write words
Like leaves on an autumn forest floor,
What a bonfire my letters would make.
If I could speak words of water,
You would drown when I said
“I love you.”
On Your Wedding Day
Today is a day you will always remember
The greatest in anyone’s life
You’ll start off the day just two people in love
And end it as Husband and Wife.
It’s a brand new beginning the start of a journey
With moments to cherish and treasure
And although there’ll be times when you both disagree
These will surely be outweighed by pleasure.
You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past
When the secrets of marriage were spoken
But you know that the answers lie hidden inside
Where the bond of true love lies unbroken.
So live happy forever as lovers and friends
It’s the dawn of a new life for you
As you stand there together with love in your eyes
From the moment you whisper “I do.”
And with luck, all your hopes, and your dreams can be real
May success find its way to your hearts
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys
But today is the day it all starts.
21

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
I’ll be there for you Louise Cuddon
I’ll be there my darling, through thick and through thin
When your mind’s in a mess and your head’s in a spin
When your plane’s been delayed, and you’ve missed the
last train.
When life is just threatening to drive you insane
When your thrilling whodunit has lost its last page
When somebody tells you, you’re looking your age
When your coffee’s too cool, and your wine is too warm
When the forecast said “Fine”, but you’re out in a storm
When your quick break hotel, turns into a slum
And your holiday photos show only your thumb
When you park for five minutes in a resident’s bay
And return to discover you’ve been towed away
When the jeans that you bought in hope or in haste
Just stick on your hips and don’t reach round your waist
When the food you most like brings you out in red rashes
When as soon as you boot up the bloody thing crashes
So my darling, my sweetheart, my dear...
When you break a rule, when you act the fool
When you’ve got the flu, when you’re in a stew
When you’re last in the queue, don’t feel blue
‘cause I’m telling you, I’ll be there.
These I Can Promise Mark Twain
I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart’s devotion
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that’s ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.
Maybe Author unknown
Maybe…we are supposed to meet the wrong people
before meeting the Right one, so that when we finally meet
the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe...it is true that we don't know what we have got
until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what
we have been missing until it arrives.
Maybe...the happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything; they just make the most of everything
that comes along their way.
Maybe...the best kind of love is the kind where you can sit
on a sofa together, never say a word, and then walk away
feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
Maybe...you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone
who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to
make a dark day seem bright.
Maybe...you should hope for enough happiness to make
you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow
to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.
Maybe Love is not about finding the perfect person; it's about
learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. When you do
what you can, love will do what you can't.
Poetry and reaDings
I Will Be Here Steven Curtis Chapman
If in the morning when you awake,
If the sun does not appear,
I will be here.
If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
I will be here.
I will be here,
When you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind I will listen,
Through the winning, losing and trying we’ll be together,
And I will be here.
If in the morning when you awake,
The future is unclear,
I will be here.
As sure as seasons were made for change,
Our lifetimes were made for years,
I will be here.
I will be here,
And you can cry on my shoulder,
When the mirror tells us we’re older.
I will hold you, to watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things you are to me.
We’ll be together, and I will be here.
I will be true to the promises I’ve made,
To you
And I will be here.
True Love Author unknown
True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The heart that it entwines.
An extract from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Louis de Bernieres
Love is a temporary madness,
it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.
And when it subsides you have to make a decision.
You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined
together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness,
it is not excitement,
it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being ‘in love’ which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned
away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each
other underground,
and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their
branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.
22

Poetry and reaDings
The Day Author unknown
May this be the start of a happy new life
That’s full of special moments to share
May this be the first of your dreams come true
And of hope that will always be there...
May this be the start of a lifetime of trust
And of caring that’s just now begun...
May today be a day that you’ll always remember
The day when your heart becomes one...
The Art of Marriage W. A. Peterson
A good marriage must be created,
In the marriage, the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I Love You” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person -
It is being the right partner.
Extract from an American Indian Marriage Ceremony
May the sun bring you new strength by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your fears
And the breeze invigorate your being.
May you, all the days of your life,
Walk gently through the world
And know its beauty.
Now you will feel no rain,
For each will shelter the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each will warm the other.
Now you will feel no solitude,
For each will company the other.
Now you are two persons, but both will lead one life.
Go now to your dwelling to begin the days of your life together,
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Sudden Light Dante Gabriel Rossetti
When I look at you now
I see all the hope and promise of our life together
As the love that was always there in us grows stronger still
I see the wonder, the mystery, the miracle of love
and all our dreams waiting to be born.
I see that we’ve learned what it takes
to make a relationship work, and ours does
Thank you for being you and making me feel so loved
Because what we have is special.
Chapter One of One Thousand O. J. Preston
For two people this dawn brought on a magical day
Now husband and wife they head on their way
As a boat setting sail may their journey begin
With calmest of waters, most helpful of wind
And if they should stumble upon turbulent sea
May it pass them unharming - leave them be.
For here are two people whom love has well bitten
Here opens their book which has yet to be written
As the first page unfolds and their life inks its path
May it write a true story where forever love lasts
Let their journey be happy till death do they part
Of one thousand chapters may this be the start.
This Day I Married my Best Friend Author unknown
This day I married my best friend
...the one I laugh with as we share life’s wondrous zest,
as we find new enjoyments and experience all that’s best.
...the one I live for because the world seems brighter
as our happy times are better and our burdens feel much lighter.
...the one I love with every fibre of my soul.
We used to feel vaguely incomplete, now together we are whole.
Yes, I’ll Marry You Pam Ayres
Yes, I’ll marry you, my dear,
And here’s the reason why;
So I can push you out of bed
When the baby starts to cry,
And if we hear a knocking
And it’s creepy and it’s late,
I hand you the torch you see,
And you investigate.
Yes, I’ll marry you, my dear,
You may not apprehend it,
But when the tumble-drier goes
It’s you that has to mend it,
You have to face the neighbour
Should our labrador attack him,
And if a drunkard fondles me
It’s you that has to whack him.
Yes, I’ll marry you, my dear,
You’re virile and you’re lean,
My house is like a pigsty
You can help to keep it clean.
That sexy little dinner
Which you served by candlelight,
As I do chipolatas,
You can cook it every night!
It’s you who has to work the drill
And put up curtain track,
And when I’ve got PMT
It’s you who gets the flak,
I do see great advantages,
But none of them for you,
And so before you see the light,
I do, I do, I do!
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
23

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
There is no way to tell you Author unknown
There is no way to tell you what thoughts come to mind
As you join hands together and smile
For you’re both very special
A wonderful couple
Who mean more and more all the while.
There’s no way to tell you the love that grows with you
Now you’ve both made your pledges and vows
For no couple of people could be wished
With more love
Or more joy than we’re wishing you now.
Us Two from Now We Are Six A. A. Milne
Wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
Whatever I do, he wants to do,
“Where are we going today” says Pooh -
“Well that’s very odd ‘cos I was too.
Let’s go together,” says Pooh, says he.
“Let’s go together” says Pooh.
“What’s twice eleven” I said to Pooh.
“Twice what” said Pooh to Me.
“I think it ought to be twenty two.”
“Just what I think myself” said Pooh.
“It wasn’t an easy sum to do,
But that’s what it is,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what it is” said Pooh.
“Let’s look for dragons” I said to Pooh.
“Yes let’s” said Pooh to Me.
We crossed the river and found a few.
“Yes, those are dragons all right” said Pooh.
“As soon as I saw their beaks I knew.
That’s what they are,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what they are” said Pooh.
“Let’s frighten the dragons,” I said to Pooh.
“That’s right” said Pooh to Me.
“I’m not afraid” I said to Pooh.
And I held his paw and I shouted “Shoo!
Silly old dragons!” - and off they flew.
“I wasn’t afraid,” said Pooh, said he,
“I’m never afraid with you.”
So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
“What would I do” I said to Pooh,
“If it wasn’t for you” and Pooh said “True,
It isn’t much fun for one, but two
Can stick together,” says Pooh, says he.
“That’s how it is” says Pooh.
To Keep Your Marriage Brimming Ogden Nash
To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong admit it;
Whenever you’re right shut up.
Poetry and reaDings
I Knew That I Had Been Touched by Love
Author unknown
I knew that I had been touched by love the first time I saw you,
and felt your warmth, and I heard your laughter.
I knew that I had been touched by love when I was hurting from
something that happened, and you came along and made the
hurt go away.
I knew that I had been touched by love when I stopped making
plans with my friends,
and started dreaming dreams with you.
I knew that I had been touched by love when I suddenly
stopped thinking in terms of ‘me’ and started thinking in terms
of ‘we’.
I knew that I had been touched by love when suddenly I
couldn’t make decisions by myself anymore,
and I had the strong desire to share everything with you.
I knew that I had been touched by love the first time we spent
alone together, and I knew that I wanted to stay with you
forever because I had never felt this touched by love.
How Do I Love Thee Elizabeth Barrett-Browning
How do I love thee Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight,
I love thee freely, as men strive for right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints - I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears of all my life! - and, if providence choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Marriage Advice Jane Wells
Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little
than to break.
Believe the best rather than the worst.
People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting
relationship.
The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies
and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Please hand this down to your children and your children’s
children.
My True Love Hath my Heart Sir Philip Sidney
My true love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange one for another given:
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven:
My true love hath my heart, and I have his,
My heart in me keeps him and me in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guide:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his because in me it bides:
My true love hath my heart, and I have his.
24

WEST WYCOMBE PARK
Exclusive Wedding Venue
The Estate Office, West Wycombe Park, Bucks HP14 3AJ
01494 524411
office@westwycombeestate.co.uk www.westwycombeestate.co.uk

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
countdown
to your
BIG DAY
SoPhoto
Once you have made the exciting commitment to become husband and wife, it is now that the hard work of organising
your wedding begins. To help you, we have compiled this checklist to aid the smooth running of your preparations.
haVing named the day
✶ Work out a rough
budget and guest list
✶ Provisionally book the
venue, then immediately
contact the registrars to
ensure they have staff and
your preferred time
available. once this is
done, confirm the date
and time back to the
venue
✶ arrange a notice of
marriage appointment
✶ Book the caterers
and entertainment
✶ choose your bridesmaids,
best man and ushers
✶ Book the photographer
and/or videographer
✶ Book cars for the
ceremony and for
going away
✶ Plan and book your
honeymoon
✶ start shopping for
the bridal dress,
bridesmaids’ dresses
and groom’s suit
three months before
✶ Plan the guest list and
order invitations, menu
cards and place cards
✶ order the wedding cake
✶ choose the rings
✶ choose flowers for
the reception, bridal
party, buttonholes
and corsages
✶ Decide on your
wedding gift list
✶ have a first fitting of
the bridal dress
✶ if you are having a
honeymoon abroad,
arrange necessary
visas and vaccinations
✶ Book a hotel for the
wedding night
✶ Plan the hen and
stag nights
✶ return the green
options form and fee
to the registrars
six Weeks before
✶ send out the invitations
✶ if you are changing your
name, allow at least six
weeks for a new passport
✶ choose gifts for the
bridesmaids, best man
and mothers
✶ order gift boxes to send
out wedding cake
four Weeks before
✶ Finalise the guest list
✶ have final fittings for
the wedding outfits
✶ take your headdress
and veil to the
hairdressers for a
practice run
✶ confirm with the
caterers and arrange
the seating plan
✶ Prepare thank you
letters for the presents
you receive
tWo Weeks before
✶ Work out a timetable for
the reception and run
through it with the best
man and bridesmaids
✶ Write out place cards
for the reception
✶ Wear in your wedding
shoes around the home
✶ order your foreign
currency if going abroad
on the day of
your Wedding
so that you can relax and
enjoy your wedding, ask
friends and family to see that
the following arrangements
are made for you on the day.
✶ the cases for your
honeymoon are sent on
to your overnight hotel
✶ the wedding dress and
groom’s suit are packed
away, and any hired
items are returned as
soon as possible
✶ the wedding presents
are carefully packed up
and taken home
✶ Wedding cake is sent to
people unable to attend
26

Richings Park Golf Club
Pleasantly situated in 240 acres of mature
Buckinghamshire parkland, Richings Park Golf Club
is the perfect venue for your wedding reception.
We have a civil ceremony licence and can cater
for up to 100 guests for a wedding breakfast
and 150 for the evening reception.
Superb Menu...
...Excellent Venue
01753 655370
www.richingspark.co.uk
email:info@richingspark.co.uk
Richings Park Golf Club, North Park, Iver, Bucks SL0 9DL

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Here in Buckinghamshire we are
delighted to offer civil partnership
ceremonies. We are able to offer you
a fantastic selection of licensed venues
in which to form your partnership and
while it is not a legal requirement to
have a ceremony, we would be
delighted to celebrate with you and
create a ceremony which is special
and personal to you both.
ciVil PartnershiPs
I
f you have decided to form your
partnership in a licensed venue and made
a provisional booking you need to contact us to
check a registrar is available for the date and the
time you want. it is essential you do this before
making any other arrangements. Bookings can be
taken up to 24 months ahead of time. to contact
us please call - aylesbury area 01296 382481 or
Wycombe area 01494 475092.
Please note - at the time of booking you will need
to pay a non-refundable booking fee.
you can form your partnership on any day of
the week, but we do not work on christmas Day,
Boxing Day, new year’s Day, good Friday or
easter sunday.
notiCe of CiVil partnership
Before you can proceed there are certain
formalities which are required by law. if you
wish to form a legal partnership you must have
lived in england or Wales for at least nine days
immediately before you give notice. if you are
creating a residency, you must give your respective
notices to the register office before either of you
leave the address where you have created your
residency, be it in the same or different districts.
it does not matter if either of you then moves to
a different address after this time. you will also
have to specify the venue of your ceremony,
as this cannot be changed. if you decide on a
different venue you will have to give a new
notice and pay a further statutory fee for this.
you will each be required to attend in person
to give an individual notice. if you both reside
in Buckinghamshire then you can attend either
of our offices to give notice. if you reside in
separate registration districts, each of you will be
required to give notice in the district in which
you live. We are happy to advise you further on
any of these matters.
giving notice means declaring that you are both
free to form the partnership and you will be
required to provide certain documents. you may
give notice up to one year before the date to
formalise your partnership. you will need to make
an appointment at the register office in the district
in which you live. if you live in Buckinghamshire
please call either - aylesbury area 01296 382481
or Wycombe area 01494 475092. if you live
outside Buckinghamshire and would like details of
your local office please do not hesitate to call us
on either number. When you give notice, the
registrar will ask questions about you and your
partner. you will be asked for your full names and
addresses, your ages, whether either of you has
been married or formed a civil partnership
before, your occupations and your nationalities.
if you are not a British or eea citizen new
legislation may apply, so please contact us.
28

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
I
t is necessary for you and your partner
to give us proof of identity. Passports
should be used, but we may accept two other
documents, one of which should
‘‘
be a birth certificate together
with another document such
as a driving licence. if you have
no passport and you were born
after 1st January 1983 you must
produce a full birth certificate
showing your parents details
to prove nationality. you also
need to provide proof of your
address. Please bring along a recently dated
council tax or utility bill or a bank statement.
A very moving
ceremony. Excellent
staff made us feel
very comfortable
’’
to show your last marriage or civil partnership
has legally ended. all documents must be
originals and not photocopies. any person
whose divorce or dissolution
was granted in england or Wales,
must produce their Decree
absolute bearing the original
seal or stamp of the court. if the
divorce or dissolution took place
in another country, you should
bring the original document.
if either of you is widowed or
a surviving civil partner, you
will need to produce your late partner’s death
certificate.
if you arrive at the appointment without your
documentation we may not be able to take
your notice.
if either of you has been married or formed a
civil partnership before, you will need documents
Foreign documents should be accompanied by a
certified english translation.
if you are under 18, you will need to bring proof
of your parents’ or guardians’ consent. you can
do this by asking them to fill in a form which we
will supply.
29

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
‘‘
Very well organised. Lovely, friendly
people. Made the day wonderful
on the Day...
your ciVil PartnershiP ceremony
P
lease
help us and other couples who are
having their ceremonies on the same day, by
ensuring you and your guests arrive at least 15 minutes
before the start of the ceremony if you are in one of
our offices. if you are at an approved venue, please
ensure you arrive 30 minutes before.
We do not want to rush your ceremony nor be
forced to postpone it, so please ensure your guests
arrive on time. remember, there may be traffic
delays or a photo-call before the ceremony.
’’
these may be friends or relatives and must be old
enough to understand their role as a witness.
alternatively, you may have a more personal
ceremony by exchanging rings or gifts, interspersed
with readings and music, examples of which are
included in this brochure. if you would like to make
further vows to each other we will be happy to
discuss these with you. again we can provide you
with examples of extra vows, or you may wish to
create your own. Please ensure that the registrar has
seen these words before the ceremony.
the ceremony is conducted by the Partnership
registrar, who is also responsible for ensuring that
all the information which is to be entered into the
partnership record is correct on the day. they will
see you and your partner in private to check the
details. you may choose to be seen together or
separately. they will be happy to answer any last
minute questions you may have about the ceremony
or any of the other arrangements.
this is your special day and there is no need to be
nervous or worried about the ceremony.
the registrar is there to help and guide you
throughout. the following words declare you are
free to contract your civil partnership and understand
the formality of the contract you are about to sign.
it may be read by you both just prior to signing, or
may be repeated by each of you, a few words at the
time, after the registrar.
“i declare that i know of no legal reason why we may
not register as each other’s civil partner. i understand
that on signing this document we will be forming a civil
partnership with each other.”
you can have a simple ceremony, as outlined in the
above paragraph, in the presence of two witnesses,
who will also sign the Partnership Formation schedule.
Please ensure you complete and return the yellow
options form to us, with the fee for your ceremony,
four months before the date of your ceremony.
the options form can also be found on our website
www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/cp_ceremony.page
once the ceremony is completed, the registrar is
required to enter your partnership formation onto a
national computer database - this will not be done on
the same day as your partnership. any certificates you
asked for will be posted to you after the record has
been completed.
For details about photographs, videos and confetti,
see page 15.
CiVil partnerships in religious premises
Our staff are more than happy to attend a religious
premises which has been approved by the local
authority and where your civil partnerships may be
formed. We will attend at the premises, undertake the
legal formalities, and then leave so you are able to have
a religious ceremony with your family and friends.
at the time of printing this brochure no requests for
licences have been received. any premises approved
will be listed on our website under licensed Venues
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registrars
30

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
aylesBury area
1 ashfold sChool (dorton house)
2 aylesbury College
3 aylesbury Waterside theatre
4 the bell hotel
5 best Western buCkingham hotel
6 buCkinghamshire railWay Centre
7 Claydon house
8 fiVe arroWs hotel
9 the John hampden room
10 hartWell house hotel & spa
11 holiday inn, aylesbury
12 horWood house
13 mentmore golf & Country Club
14 notley abbey
15 notley tythe barn
16 poundon house
17 the red lion hotel
18 silVerstone golf Club
19 stoWe house
20 stoWe landsCape gardens
21 Villiers hotel
22 Waddesdon manor - the dairy
23 West lodge hotel
WycomBe area
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
amersham Community Centre
beaConsfield Chambers
bedford arms hotel
bellhouse hotel
bradenham manor
buCkinghamshire golf Club
bull hotel
burnham beeChes hotel
burnham park
Chartridge ConferenCe Centre
Chesham toWn hall
the Chiltern room
CliVeden
Court garden house
Crazy bear hotel & restaurant
CroWn hotel
CroWne plaza marloW
danesfield house hotel & spa
denham groVe
the disraeli room
duffield house
fox Country inn
groVefield house hotel
hampden house
harleyford golf Club
hedsor house
henley business sChool
holiday inn, high WyCombe
kings hotel
latimer ConferenCe Centre
midsomer Court
missenden abbey ConferenCe Centre
neWland park manor
old luxters barn
the paVilion at lane end
pineWood hotel
pineWood studios
riChings park golf Club
stoke park
stoke plaCe
taploW house hotel
tudor barn, brightWell grange
uplands
WendoVer arms (licence pending)
West WyCombe park
WyCombe sWan
32
Dorton house, Dorton, aylesbury hP18 9ng
oxford road, aylesbury hP21 8PD
exchange street, aylesbury hP20 1ug
market square, Winslow mk18 3aB
a421 ring road, Buckingham mk18 1ry
station road, Quainton, nr aylesbury hP22 4By
middle claydon, Buckingham mk18 2ey
high street, Waddesdon hP18 0Je
Buckinghamshire register office, Walton st, aylesbury hP20 1XF
oxford road, aylesbury hP17 8nr
aston clinton road, aylesbury hP22 5aa
little horwood mk17 0Ph
mentmore, leighton Buzzard lu7 0ua
aylesbury road, haddenham, aylesbury hP17 8tn
notley Farm, long crendon, nr aylesbury hP18 9er
Poundon, Bicester oX27 9BB
high street, Wendover hP22 6Du
silverstone road, stowe, Buckingham mk18 5lh
stowe, Buckingham mk18 5eh
the national trust, stowe, Buckingham mk18 5eh
3 castle street, Buckingham mk18 1Bs
Queen street, Waddesdon, aylesbury hP18 0JW
london road, aston clinton, aylesbury hP22 5hl
chiltern avenue, amersham hP6 5ah
council hall, Penn road, Beaconsfield hP9 2PP
chenies WD3 6eQ
oxford road, Beaconsfield hP9 2Xe
Bradenham, high Wycombe hP14 4hF
Denham court Drive, Denham uB9 5Bg
oxford road, gerrards cross sl9 7Pa
grove road, Burnham sl1 8DP
Windsor lane, Burnham sl1 7hr
chartridge lane, chesham hP5 2tu
chesham hP5 1Ds
Wycombe registration office, easton st, high Wycombe hP11 1nh
taplow, maidenhead sl6 0JF
Pound lane, marlow sl7 2ae
old Beaconsfield hP9 1lX
16 high street, amersham hP7 0Dh
Fieldhouse lane, marlow sl7 1gJ
henley road, marlow sl7 2ey
tilehouse lane, Denham uB9 5Dg
Beaconsfield old town registration office,
29 Windsor end, Beaconsfield hP9 2JJ
grays Park road, stoke Poges sl2 4hX
ibstone, high Wycombe hP14 3Xt
taplow common road, Burnham sl1 8lP
great hampden, nr great missenden hP16 9rD
harleyford estate, henley road, marlow sl7 2sP
hedsor Park, taplow sl6 0hX
greenlands, henley-on-thames rg9 3au
handy cross, high Wycombe hP11 1tl
oxford road, stokenchurch hP14 3ta
latimer Place, latimer, chesham hP5 1ug
Beaconsfield old town registration office,
29 Windsor end, Beaconsfield hP9 2JJ
great missenden hP16 0BD
gorelands lane, chalfont st. giles hP8 4aB
hambleden, henley-on-thames rg9 6JW
church road, lane end, high Wycombe hP14 3hh
Wexham Park lane, george green sl3 6aP
Pinewood road, iver heath sl0 0nh
north Park, iver sl0 9Dl
Park road, stoke Poges sl2 4Pg
stoke green, stoke Poges sl2 4ht
Berry hill, taplow sl6 0Da
Britwell road, Burnham sl1 8DF
Four ashes rd, high Wycombe hP15 6lB
Desborough avenue, high Wycombe hP11 2su
West Wycombe estate, West Wycombe hP14 3aJ
st mary street, high Wycombe hP11 2Xe
licenseD Venues
07850 891769
01296 588562
01296 745131
01296 714091
01280 822622
01296 655720
01280 822850
01296 651727
01296 382581
01296 746502
01296 734031
01296 722100
01296 662020
0845 130 9966
01844 201226
07931 467515
01296 622266
01280 850005
01280 818280
01280 818809
01280 822444
01296 653216
01296 630362
01494 433436
01494 675173
01923 283301
01753 893891
01494 563996
01895 836777
01753 885995
01628 429955
01628 661381
0845 230 5858
01494 774842
01494 475205
01628 668561
01628 405205
01494 673086
01494 721541
0870 444 8940
01628 891010
0844 980 2305
01494 475205
01753 877213
01491639333
01628 603131
01494 489042
01628 816161
01628 527391
01491 418810
0870 400 9042
01494 609090
0844 980 2312
01494 475205
01494 866811
01494 874669
01189 845990
01494 881171
01753 896400
01753 651126
01753 655370
01753 717171
01753 534790
01628 670056
01753 648644
01494 716473
01494 474747
01494 524411
01494 552885
For further information visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
www.dortonhouse.net
www.aylesbury.ac.uk
www.aylesburywatersidetheatre.co.uk
www.thebell-hotel.com
www.bw-buckinghamhotel.co.uk
www.bucksrailcentre.org
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.waddesdon.org.uk/five_arrows
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
www.hartwell-house.com
www.ichotelsgroup.com
www.principal-hayley.com
www.mentmorecountryclub.co.uk
www.notleyabbey.co.uk
www.notleyfarm.co.uk
www.poundonhouse.com
www.marstonsinns.co.uk
www.silverstonegolfclub.co.uk
www.stowe.co.uk/events
www.www.nationaltrust.org.uk
www.oxfordshire-hotels.co.uk
www.waddesdon.org.uk
www.westlodge.co.uk
www.amersham.org.uk
www.bucksinfo.net/beaconsfieldtc
www.bedfordarms.co.uk
www.bellhousehotel.co.uk
www.bradenhammanor.co.uk
www.buckinghamshiregc.com
www.sarova.com
www.corushotels.com/burnham
www.burnhampark.co.uk
www.chartridge.co.uk
www.chesham.gov.uk
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
www.clivedenhouse.co.uk
www.courtgardenhouse.co.uk
www.crazybeargroup.co.uk
www.thecrownamersham.co.uk
www.wonderful-weddings.co.uk
www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
www.devere.co.uk
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
www.duffieldhouse.com
www.foxcountryinn.co.uk
www.classiclodges.co.uk
www.hampdenweddings.com
www.harleyfordgolf.co.uk
www.hedsor.com
www.henleyweddings.org.uk
www.ichotelsgroup.com
www.kingshoteluk.com
www.devere.co.uk
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
www.missendenabbey.co.uk
www.newlandmanor.com
www.oldluxtersbarn.co.uk
www.thepavilionuk.com
www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk
www.crowngroup.co.uk/our
companies/missing-ingredients.htm
www.richingspark.co.uk
www.stokeparkclub.com
www.stokeplace.co.uk
www.taplowhouse.com
www.tudorbarn.co.uk
www.devere.co.uk
www.wendoverarms.co.uk
www.westwycombeestate.co.uk
www.wycombeswan.co.uk

the county oF Buckinghamshire
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
18
19 20
21
5
12
4
16
7
13
6
8
22
1
10
2
9
3
11
23
15
14
17
47
33 34
55
52
68
28
66
39
24
53
26
69
56
45
58
67 51
35
25 27 38
43 54
42
57
50
41
40
37
48
36
49 46
64 65
31 32
44
62 63
30
29
60
Map is not to scale and is for
illustration purposes only.
Not all roads are shown.
59
61
33

HARLEQUIN
FIREWORKS
CHALFONT ST GILES
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HP8 4HY
Tel: 01494 872683
So you've found the groom, booked the venue....now the fun
really begins....its time to enjoy planning your wedding.
Love it or Leaf it are here to help you create your dream
wedding, offering a personal, professional and friendly service.
Having been in the events industry for over 7 years we pride
ourselves on making that day go without a hitch.
Creating stunning flowers for all budgets from simple
bouquets to lavish table centres.
Bridal Flowers, Venue decoration, chair cover hire,
wedding favours, face painting, kids activity packs.
W: www.loveitorleafit.co.uk
E: enquiries@loveitorleafit.co.uk
T: 07861690551 / 07581136405
Selection Boxes, Individual and Single Ignition Fireworks.
Advice and Safety Details.
Displays for all occasions - e.g. weddings,
anniversaries, corporate events.
Free site vists.
All quotations cover:
supply, firing, clearing and insurance.
Our sister company
All Dressed Up
can supply bomboniere and wedding favours, balloon art
for all occasions. Decorations for themed parties.
Give us a call 01494 872683
www.harlequinfireworks.co.uk

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
the John hamPDen room,
Buckinghamshire register office, aylesbury
county hall, Walton street, aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire hP20 1XF
tel: 01296 382481 Fax: 01296 382675
email: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
Marion Mason
buckinghamshire register office is on the ground
floor of county hall in Walton street, aylesbury.
the John hampden room is pleasantly decorated,
air conditioned and has seating for 50 guests.
these numbers cannot be exceeded due to fire
regulations and include the two registrars.
Parking - monday to Friday there is no parking
available, please use the town centre public car parks.
on saturdays parking is available for two cars. We will
advise you about these when booking your ceremony.
Please see the map below for public car parks.
Wheelchairs have easy access to the register office,
ceremony room and disabled toilets. We have an
electronic loop system for people with hearing
difficulties and a large, comfortable waiting area.
couples seeing each other before the ceremony
should arrive with your guests at least 15 minutes
before the ceremony start time. For couples not
seeing each other before the ceremony, the groom
should arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony start
time and the bride 10 minutes. Please wait in main
reception for someone to collect you.
35

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
miDsomer court and the Disraeli room
Beaconsfield old town registration office
29 Windsor end, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire hP9 2JJ
tel: 01494 475092 Fax: 01494 475040 email: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
midsomer Court
midsomer court (pictured right) is available
Friday, saturday and sunday and can hold a
maximum of 60 people (this includes some
standing). these numbers cannot be exceeded
due to fire regulations and include the two
registrars.
Marion Mason
a former magistrates court and film set, the
accommodation has recently been extensively
and sympathetically refurbished to a high
standard. it has been decorated to create a
modern, bright and airy feel, and there is a
court dias where you can sign the register and
have photographs taken.
the accommodation is all ground floor level
with good access and a large comfortable
waiting area. outside, the courtyard is planted
and there is an arbour with seating for couples
where photographs can be taken.
unfortunately there is no confetti to be thrown in
the courtyard.
36

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
the disraeli room
the Disraeli room is available monday to thursday and can hold a maximum of 25 people.
these numbers cannot be exceeded due to fire regulations and include the two registrars.
the building was built in 1870 as a police station and has four prisoner cells!
the Disraeli room has undergone extensive refurbishment and the original features have been exposed.
it has a high vaulted ceiling which is wood panelled with intricate carving. the old and the new have been
brought together to create an intimate feel and ambience.
the accommodation is ground floor level with good access and general facilities. outside, the courtyard
is planted and there is an arbour with seating for couples where photographs can be taken.
unfortunately there is no confetti to be thrown in the courtyard.
Both midsomer Court and the disraeli room are
set in the beautiful and character-filled old town
area of Beaconsfield and are in a conservation area,
with a green across the road (pictured below).
Both rooms are wheelchair accessible and fitted
with hearing loops.
We are also able to offer free wifi access for your
ceremony – if you wish to use this, please advise at
the time of booking. (Please note, you will need to
provide your own laptop, ipad etc.)
Parking is free in Beaconsfield but it can be busy,
particularly at weekends, so please ensure your
guests are aware of this so they arrive on time for
your ceremony.
couples seeing each other before the ceremony
should arrive with your guests at least 15 minutes
before the ceremony start time. For couples not
seeing each other before the ceremony, the groom
should arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony
start time and the bride 10 minutes. Please wait in
main reception for someone to collect you.
37

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
celeBratory ceremonies
We are also delighted to be able to offer our
new range of celebratory ceremonies here in
Buckinghamshire.
these are civil ceremonies which are nonstatutory
and may be held in our registration
offices or in any of the licensed venues in
Buckinghamshire. We are also able to hold
these in venues which are not licensed but
this is subject to inspection and agreement.
For further information please contact one of
our offices.
When thinking about the number of guests
that you will invite, please consider the size
of the room and check that everyone will be
able to hear the celebrant. We want all guests
to be able to hear the ceremony and if you
think that this may be a problem, please
provide amplification.
reneWing VoWs
These celebrations are for couples at
any stage of marriage wishing to renew
their vows in a unique ceremony. they are often
linked to special wedding or civil partnership
anniversaries, but are equally appropriate for
newly-weds wishing to celebrate with family and
friends after a marriage abroad or couples
wishing to renew their commitment to each
other.
the ceremony will give an opportunity for
the special people in your lives to take part,
including your children, guests who were present
at the original ceremony and other friends and
family. your celebrant will happily assist you as
you consider your selections to create a unique
ceremony reflecting your personal commitment
to one another.
it may be that you or a guest may wish to
reflect on your life together or the memories
of your original ceremony. you may choose to
select witnesses to sign the commemorative
certificate which we will give to you as a
reminder of the day.
your ceremony provides for an introduction
and welcome, readings and music, an
acknowledgement of any children of the
marriage, the renewal of your vows, giving of
new ring(s) or gifts, or you may wish to choose
to rededicate your original rings. the ceremony
will then conclude with your chosen words.
(Please note that the ceremony anD certiFicates issueD haVe no legal status)
38

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
ceremony
of naming
There may be a variety of reasons
why you would want to choose a
naming ceremony; you may want to welcome
a newborn child into your family or welcome a
step or adopted child.
a naming ceremony provides you with an
opportunity to celebrate their life and choose
guiding adults/mentors who will enhance the life
of your child and who will take a special interest
in them and all that they do. or you could
use the ceremony to simply mark the
names you have chosen and perhaps
give the reasons behind your choice.
Whatever the reason, our celebrants
in Buckinghamshire will offer you a
professional and personal service, and our aim is
always to make your ceremony truly memorable
and meaningful, ensuring a perfect occasion.
you may like to consider combining a naming
ceremony with a wedding or a renewal of vows
ceremony.
there will be opportunities for music and
reflection and the ceremony provides a unique
opportunity for everyone to feel involved, as
they pledge their love and support for the family
and particularly for your child.
your celebrant will assist you to plan all of these
areas and at the close of the ceremony you will
be presented with a commemorative certificate
as a permanent record of the ceremony.
For further information about either of these
ceremonies and fees, please call us:
aylesbury area 01296 382481 and
Wycombe area 01494 475092 or email us -
registrars@buckscc.gov.uk - or visit our website
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
every ceremony allows you to choose readings
and the promises made by the parent and
guiding adults/mentors. you may also wish to
involve grandparents, present a gift to your child
and mention guests who are unable to attend.
Perhaps you would also like to involve friends
or family who wish to specifically express their
hopes and wishes for your child’s future.
(Please note that the ceremony anD certiFicates issueD haVe no legal status)
39

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Picture courtesy of Marion Mason
nationality checking service
T
his service is for people who are wishing
to become British citizens. it is provided by
fully trained staff who will check your forms to
make sure everything is filled in correctly and all the
required documents and fees are attached before
the application is sent to the uk Border agency.
those using the service will be able to keep their
passports and other important documents rather
than send them to the home office.
During the appointment the nationality checking
service advisor will:
l check your application forms have been
completed correctly
l check that all required documents are present
l check that the correct fee has been submitted
l photocopy valuable documents such as
passports and marriage certificates
l photocopy 'life in the uk' certificates or other
evidence of competence in the english language
l certify the copies and return the originals to you
l send completed applications to the uk Border
agency by special delivery
We are able to offer appointments in aylesbury,
Beaconsfield and high Wycombe on most days of
the week. also, where possible, we are able to offer
an express service for applications. this means you
may be able to book an appointment within a
shorter timescale than we are able to offer for
standard appointments. there is an additional fee
payable on top of our usual fee.
How to book an appointment:
Please call us on 01296 382604 to book an
appointment.
you will be asked for details of your name,
address and contact number and full payment of
the nationality checking service charge to secure
your appointment date and time.
once your citizenship is granted by the uk Border
agency, you will be able to attend a citizenship
ceremony.
40

Picture courtesy of Marion Mason
Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
citizenship ceremonies
Citizenship ceremonies are the final step
in the process for people who have been
successful in gaining British citizenship.
successful applicants aged 18 or over have to
take part in a ceremony where they swear or
affirm an oath of allegiance to her majesty
the Queen and pledge loyalty to the united
kingdom. it is a way of formally welcoming new
citizens into our community. there is no legal
requirement for those under 18 to attend,
however they are welcome to attend to receive
their certificate.
ceremonies in Buckinghamshire are held in the
registration offices, at aylesbury on alternate
tuesday afternoons and at Beaconsfield on
alternate Wednesdays or Fridays. a registrar
opens the ceremony with a short welcome and
is followed by a speech from the local dignitary
who speaks on behalf of the local community
and the Queen. each prospective citizen then
must take the oath and Pledge of allegiance.
they may swear or affirm the oath depending
on personal wishes and religious beliefs.
every applicant is presented with a certificate
of naturalisation by a civic dignitary and is also
given a welcome pack from the home office.
there are photographic opportunities to provide
a memento of the occasion. the whole assembly
is then asked to stand for the national anthem.
after this refreshments are available.
alternatively, you are welcome to book a
private ceremony for which there will be an
additional fee.
so why not let us check your application and
then join us to celebrate becoming a British
citizen
For further information about any of the above
please call us on 01296 382604.
email: britishcitizenship@buckscc.gov.uk
or visit our website
www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/registrars/
citizenship_ceremonies.page
41

Celebrate in Buckinghamshire
Photopro
42
Our customer
serVice Standards
Y
our ceremony is very important to us
and we strive to provide a professional and
personal service at all times. We aim to achieve this
by offering the following:
v if you visit our office with an appointment,
you will be seen within ten minutes of your
appointment time or arrival time, if later
v if you visit our office without an
appointment, you will be seen within one
hour of your arrival, or at a later time,
which is mutually convenient
v all letters and office e-mails not requesting
copy certificates will be acknowledged
within one working day of receipt
v copy certificates will be issued within
seven working days from the day of
receipt. an express, same day service is
also available for an additional fee
per application
v We will arrive at the venue for your
civil ceremony at least 30 minutes
before the start time
index of advertisers
approVed Venues
the Bedford arms hotel
Buckinghamshire railway centre
Burnham Park
chartridge conference centre
Duffield house
Five arrows hotel
hampden house
hartwell house hotel
henley Business school
holiday inn, aylesbury
holiday inn, high Wycombe
kings hotel
missenden abbey
newland Park manor
the Pavilion at lane end
richings Park golf club
Villiers hotel
West lodge hotel
West Wycombe Park
Wycombe swan
bridal Wear
ellie sanderson
p20
p43
p31
p43
p02
p27
p07
p27
p20
p31
p43
p07
p25
p06
p25
p27
p20
p25
p25
p31
p15
We regularly consult our customers and over the last
12 months, 100% of our customers have been more
than satisfied with the way we have treated them and
delivered our services.
our aim is to make your celebration as memorable
and as special as possible and we look forward to
meeting you soon. on behalf of Buckinghamshire
registration service, we would all like to take this
opportunity to wish you a wonderful celebration!
We always welcome your comments and
suggestions and you can let us have these by letter,
e-mail, by telephone or in person.
buckinghamshire registration service,
County hall, Walton street,
aylesbury, hp20 1xf
tel: 01296 382530
e-mail: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
www.buckscc.gov.uk/registration
fireWorks
harlequin Fireworks
floWers
love it or leaf it
musiC
cool Beans
sheila Watts
photographers
Jeff krotz
karin nel Photography
louis Debenham
nigel harper
Photopro Photography
soPhoto
stephen thorpe
the Bridal Photographer
p34
p34
p34
p34
p43
p34
p43
p27
p31
p19
p34
p15
reCeption Venues (see approved venues also)
the chiltern
p43
Wedding deCorations/faVours
all Dressed up
p34

Affordable Elegance
at
The Chiltern Hotel
& Restaurant
Whether your special day is to be small and intimate or grand and dramatic,
at The Chiltern we're dedicated to serving the highest quality, freshly-prepared
food with the finest ingredients whether it's for two or two hundred!
Our elegant wedding suite and contemporary restaurant areas can
accommodate up to 120 guests for a sit-down wedding breakfast,
or up to 220 for a more informal buffet-style celebration.
The Chiltern stands in its own gardens providing the backdrop for
unforgettable images of your big day. Our 14 comfortable bedrooms mean
that many of your guests will be able to spend the night on-site and there's
more than enough off-road car parking for everyone.
The Chiltern's informed and helpful team will be on hand throughout
to make sure that you and your partner, your family and guests will
remember your wedding as a truly special occasion.
The Chiltern, Saunderton,
Buckinghamshire, HP27 9NP.
t. 01844 345299 e. info@the-chiltern.co.uk
www.the-chiltern.co.uk
Great
Discounts
Available for
Mid-Week
Weddings in
2013!

Buckinghamshire register office, aylesbury
county hall, Walton street, aylesbury, Buckinghamshire hP20 1XF
tel: 01296 382481 Fax: 01296 382675
email: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
Beaconsfield old town registration office
29 Windsor end, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire hP9 2JJ
tel: 01494 475092 Fax: 01494 475040
email: registrars@buckscc.gov.uk
civil marriages
civil partnerships
renewing vows
ceremony of naming
nationality checking
citizenship ceremonies