British Heritage Weddings

If you fantasize of a fairytale wedding with castles and romantic vistas, British Heritage Weddings can help you design the wedding of your dreams. A member of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, proprietor Brian M. Mathias has helped many international couples plan unique weddings throughout Britain.

What makes Britain a spectacular wedding destination?

That definitely has to be our history and heritage. So many Americans feel themselves to be almost ex-pat Brits. Even when their families have been in The States for a couple of centuries.

Can you describe a recent wedding you've planned or are currently planning?

I planned a lovely wedding at Culzean Castle, in South West Scotland, for a couple from California (see photo, right). They were so pleased with the way everything turned out. I am currently planning a wedding for a couple from New Jersey, who want to have a medieval wedding, preferably a Pythonesque one. This one is going to be fun.

Is it difficult for non-residents to get married in Britain? What are the requirements?

I'm afraid there are two answers to that one. Yes and no. Anyone can marry here on production of the neccessary documentation, but the laws differ between England and Scotland. To marry in England, the couple would need to either make two trips to the UK within a year, the first one to establish residency, Or they could do it in one trip lasting at least twenty five days (marry on day 24). In Scotland there are no residency requirements. Provided all the relevant paperwork has been completed in advance by mail, then the couple can marry on the same day that they arrive.

What documents are required to marry in Britain?

Proof of person in the form of an original or certified copy (no photocopies) birth certificate. Proof of eligability to marry in the form of a certificate of no impediment to be married, usually issued by the local authority of the persons marrying, may be required. Also, if either of the couple have been married before, proof of no impediment, in the form of death certificates or decree absolute, will be required.

How can brides incorporate some unique local elements or traditions into the ceremony?

Of course. Although the law is very specific, in the UK, about the form of a wedding ceremony, that involves saying certain things in a certain order, the bride and groom can otherwise design their own ceremony around that. Some religions may insist on their own ceremonies and civil weddings must have no religious content in them at all, including religious music. If a couple want to exchange tartans (in Scotland) or jump a broomstick (I believe that is in Cornwall), there is nothing to stop them.

Can you describe one of your top packages?

Frankly, no. I do not believe in packages. I ask every couple what they dream of having and design every wedding individually. When people are spending a lot of money on the most important day of their life, why should they be told they can have A,B or C when what they would really like is D?

After the wedding, what nearby romantic places might couples want to visit?

How much space can you give me for this one? We are talking about Britain here. This is the country of romantic castles where kings and queens have lived and died. This is the country of great stately homes where great families have lived for centuries. This is the green and pleasant land where people have been leaving their mark for the last 10,000 years.

Is it terribly expensive to marry in Britain?

That is up to my clients. They could marry in a tiny, 11th century, country ale house, with only themselves and perhaps one or two guests, at very small cost. Alternatively, they could fly in a jumbo jet full of guests and hire a great stately home costing a fortune. All ranges in between the two can be satisfied. Marrying abroad can actually save a couple a lot of money. Have you ever heard of the wedding snowball? Once you start it rolling, it just grows and grows untill it is costing two fortunes that their grandchildren will still be paying off. For the cost of two air tickets to Great Britain, they can have the wedding that they want, with only the people around them that they really want there and who really want to be there. And no one is upset that they haven't been invited because they think it is the most romantic thing they have ever heard about.

How can people find out more?
By visiting my web site at www.heritageweddings.com

Photo courtesy British Heritage Weddings