You do have to legally register your marriage at the Registry Office in the county of where your wedding will be, and you can do this by asking for the 2 + 2 ceremony. This is basically a short service with two witnesses at a very affordable price. The local authority tends not to advertise this option. Often, they state you would need to have a full service costing between £300 and £500. You have a legal right to request a 2 + 2 ceremony costing around just £45. Think of it like popping into the registry office to register a birth and picking up the certificate. Once you have done the legal stuff you can then concentrate on arranging and enjoying your fabulous wedding crafted exactly the way you and your partner want it to be.