Church Wedding vs. Civil Ceremony in the UK: What’s the Difference (and What’s Right for You)?

Written By Joel Graham
The outside of St Mary's church in Goldsborough

The historic and traditional St Mary’s church, Goldsborough. Image by Barnaby Aldrick Photography

Planning your dream wedding but unsure whether to go traditional or modern with your ceremony? You’re not alone. One of the first (and biggest) decisions couples make is whether to have a church wedding or a civil ceremony. At Goldsborough Hall, we’ve helped couples do both - and trust us, there’s no right or wrong, just what feels right for you.

Let’s break it down...

Church Wedding: Classic, Spiritual, and Traditionally Romantic

Inside the 13th century church with wedding guests sitting in the pews

The traditional beatuy and setting of the 13th century Goldsborough Church. Image by Barnaby Aldrick

The vibe: Think stained glass windows, a choir in full harmony, and a walk down the aisle that echoes centuries of tradition.

What it means: A church wedding is a religious ceremony, often held in a Church of England parish church like St Mary’s in Goldsborough. You’ll exchange vows before God, usually led by a vicar.

Things to know:

  • One of you needs to be Christian, and at least one of you should be baptised.

  • You’ll need to attend your parish church or demonstrate a connection to the parish.

  • Legal requirements are handled by the church, including reading of the banns (your marriage announcement).

  • You’ll need to meet with the vicar and possibly attend pre-marriage sessions.

    There’s some really useful information from the Church of England website and contact numbers for St Mary’s Church, Goldsborough on our the church page.

Goldsborough Church - a two minute walk from the Hall

Bride and her father and bridesmaids walking from Goldsborough Hall to the Church

A short walk through our private gate to the church. Image by Joel Skingle

At Goldsborough Hall: the historic 13th Church of St Mary’s, is breathtaking. Imagine walking down the aisle, then strolling through the private gate into the Hall’s gardens for your reception. Iconic, elegant and beautifully seamless.

Wedding couple exchanging vows inside at 13th century church

The ‘I do’ moment inside the church, light filtering through the stained glass windows. Image by James and Lianne

Wedding couple celebrating after they have just got married in church

That just married joy - leaving the Goldsborough Church through its Norman arch door. Image by Nick Labrum

The short walk back from Church to the Hall. Image by James and Lianne

Civil Ceremony: Personal, Flexible, and Uniquely Yours


The vibe: Chic, modern, and entirely yours. Civil ceremonies are perfect for couples who want a non-religious, fully customisable ceremony.

Wedding couple kissing in the drawing room at Goldsborough Hall

A civil ceremony in the Drawing Room with its grandeur, high ceilings and stately features. Image by Peter Rollings

What it means: A civil ceremony is a non-religious legal marriage ceremony, usually conducted by a registrar.

Things to know:

  • It can take place anywhere licensed for weddings - like the Drawing Room or Dining Room at Goldsborough Hall.

  • No religious content is allowed - but you can include your own vows, music and readings.

  • You must give notice at your local registry office and book a registrar to attend the ceremony.

The North Yorkshire Government website shows you how to book a registrar in Yorkshire.

Wedding civil ceremony set up with white chairs, white aisle runner and green and white florals

Stunning florals in the majesty of the Drawing Room. Image by Peter Rollings; florals by Fulford Flowers

Civil Ceremony in the Drawing Room

At Goldsborough Hall: The historic Drawing Room is fully licensed for wedding civil ceremonies, a perfect space, which is light, versatile but with full historic charm. And at Christmas time, with its 13ft tree, is perfect for an indoor winter ceremony or intimate gathering.

Wedding civil ceremony set up with white chairs and white aisle runner at Goldsborough Hall

Image by Peter Rollings

Wedding civil ceremony set up with wooden chairs and blue sashes

Image by Chris Milner

White chiavari chairs with white blooms and aisle runner or cross-back wooden chairs with powder blue sashes? Which is your favourite set up?

Civil Ceremony in the Dining Room


The equally historic Dining Room is also licensed for civil ceremonies.

The Dining Room with its period features and stately room character. Image by Peter Rollings

This stunning space seamlessly blends 18th-century features with modern elegance. The room has magnificent Robert Adam pillars on either side of the bay, as well as beautiful decorative cornices. With its rich history and stunning features, the room works for both traditional and contemporary weddings.

Outdoor Civil Ceremony

Imagine saying your wedding vows in the gardens with gorgeous blooms either side of you? And, you can go straight from ‘I do’ to champagne with no travel time. Yes please.

White chairs, floral plinths and a circular arch set up for a wedding civil ceremony outside

Outdoor wedding set up in the main lawn in the Goldsborough Hall gardens. Image by Peter Rollings

An outdoor wedding at Goldsborough Hall is full of floral charm. Your wedding set up would look directly down the Lime Tree Walk, and be flanked on both sides by borders just bursting with blooms. So romantic and full of countryside vibe.

Can I Do Both?

Yes! Some couples choose a legal civil ceremony first, then have a blessing or humanist ceremony later at the venue using a celebrant. This way, you can craft a personalised experience without the legal requirements limiting the language or structure.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Wedding couple just married walking down the aisle in 13th century church

A church wedding; image by And Ever After

Go for a church wedding if:

  • Faith plays a role in your relationship.

  • You love tradition and a grand aisle moment.

  • You want to get married in a consecrated building with centuries of history.



    Go for a civil ceremony if:

Hands exchanging rings in civil ceremony

A civil ceremony; image by Dash Photography

  • You want complete creative freedom.

  • You’re not religious, or from different faith backgrounds.

  • You want everything - ceremony to party - all in one stunning location.



At Goldsborough Hall, we’re proud to offer both options in one truly unforgettable setting. Whether you’re tying the knot in the local village church or under a floral arch in the Drawing Room, we’ll make sure your day is exactly what you imagined (and more).

Like to see more?

Check out our Pinterest page on civil ceremony set ups and real weddings in the Drawing Room, the Dining Room and Outdoors.


Ready to plan your ceremony?

Get in touch with our wedding team and let’s chat about your vision. Call Alison or Amanda for a private show round on 01423 867321, email us at weddings@goldsboroughhall.com or jump into our calendars here!

wedding couple exchanging rings in civil ceremony goldsborough hall

Exchanging rings in a civil ceremony in the Drawing Room at Goldsborough Hall. Image by Laura Calderwood

Civil ceremonies in the Drawing Room and Dining Room

Planning Your Wedding?

Outdoor garden wedding in North Yorkshire

Outdoor garden wedding in North Yorkshire. Image by Peter Rollings, flowers by River & Rose

Our 17th-century stately home in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside offers:

  • Exclusive use for your entire day

  • Award-winning gardens and ceremony spaces

  • A team who’ll treat your story like it’s the only one in the world

    If you’re ready to take the next step, call me, Alison, for a private show round on 01423 867321 or email at weddings@goldsboroughhall.com.

Book your private tour here!

Joel Graham
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