AOL

What are the alternatives to a church or register office?

"My fiance and I are not religious and do not feel a church ceremony is for us. We aren’t keen on a register office ceremony as we still want a sense of occasion. What are our options?" Sarah, Leicester

Siobhan answers

As you do not want a religious or a register office ceremony, in the UK you have just two other options. One is a humanist blessing. This involves you marrying beforehand in a register office, as they cannot conduct the ceremony unless you are legally married. The ceremony will be created by you and the celebrant and can be performed at any location - in other words, it does not have to be licensed premises.

Your other option is a civil ceremony. This is performed by a registrar in a location that is licensed for such ceremonies. You can get a list of local locations from your register office or town hall. You can then choose a location that you both feel comfortable marrying in.

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire has recently received its civil licence. This is a stunning 16th-century mansion set in a spectacular hilltop location. You can view it at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emweddings. The National Trust has lots of wonderful wedding locations in its portfolio, and I think you will find that one of these will suit your requirements.