Our wed2b bride shares how she planned a simple civil ceremony wedding in Kent, followed by a relaxed vineyard reception for local and international guests.

Pooja and Sam kissing outside their civil ceremony wedding venue in Kent

A civil ceremony wedding is a legally recognised, non-religious marriage conducted by a registrar. It usually takes place at a register office or licensed venue and allows couples to personalise music, readings and vows. Many couples pair the legal ceremony with a separate cultural or destination celebration.

Key Takeaways

  • Civil ceremony wedding outfits can be anything from tea-length and mini dresses to understated sheaths, suits or separates.
  • Choose what feels comfortable, modern and true to your style, there are no rules.
  • A vineyard venue, like Balfour Winery, is an informal, quirky choice that will encourage guests to relax and have fun.
  • A location close to home is a great way to ensure older family members and friends feel involved in your day.
  • If your wedding includes multiple cultures or countries, a separate legal ceremony can reduce pressure and allow each event to shine.
  • Taking time to pause and enjoy the day helps it feel more memorable.
Exterior of Pooja and Sam’s civil ceremony wedding venue in Kent

How we met and fell in love

Meeting through a dating app

Pooja and Sam met in April 2018 on a dating app called Happn. “The app matched our Facebook friends and it matched a super close friend, Jon, who tragically passed away about a month before in a car accident,” says Pooja. “It turns out we were at the same university, at the same time and even had the same friends, but didn't know each other. What a small world! Before Sam, I hadn't actually had the best luck with men. Jon always said I needed a ‘citizen of the world’ and there was Sam - a world traveller and one of the most beautiful people I know. It was almost like a sign from heaven!”

Wedding guests smiling at the civil ceremony wedding, with two older gentlemen and a young girl

A first date to remember

Their first date was at a wine bar near Charing Cross, although it didn’t start smoothly. Pooja, who has a bird phobia, arrived very late after a panic attack caused her to end up at the wrong station. “Our first exchanged messages were a frantic, ‘Where are you?’ and an apologetic ‘Sorry’,” says Pooja. However, once Sam collected her and the nerves settled, the evening turned magical. Tequila, laughter and a goodnight kiss marked the beginning of something lasting.

Black-and-white photo of bride Pooja stepping out of the wedding car before the civil ceremony

A surprise proposal in Mauritius

Sam’s proposal was heartfelt, unexpected and perfectly timed. In July 2024, Pooja was in Mauritius, her home country, supporting her father during cancer treatment. “Sam was on a work trip in the US, so there was no way he was going to come to Mauritius,” says Pooja. “Little did I know, Sam had been colluding with my parents and asked for my hand months before then. He flew overnight, surprised me at my favourite beach bar in Mauritius and proposed!”

Close-up of bride Pooja smiling during the civil ceremony wedding

Choosing my wed2b wedding dress

Visiting the London (Central) store

Pooja discovered wed2b through Instagram and decided to visit the central London store on a whim. Then, what began as a casual browse quickly became something more.

Pooja and Sam kissing during their civil ceremony wedding

Finding the Delana dress and accessories

The dress that caught her eye was Delana, a beautifully modern Mikado tea length by Anna Sorrano. “It fitted perfectly, straight off the rail, no alterations needed,” says Pooja. “The wed2b girls actually gasped as I came out of the changing room. And, as I walked out of the shop, the bells of St Paul’s Cathedral were ringing, I mean what are the odds! I knew I made the right choice.” She paired the dress with a belt, completing a timeless look that was perfect for a real bride civil ceremony.

Black-and-white photo of Pooja and Sam cuddling and smiling during their civil ceremony wedding

Planning our civil ceremony wedding

Choosing a venue close to family

Sam is from Kent and his grandparents were the couple’s witnesses. So, choosing a venue close to loved ones was essential, as the couple wanted a civil ceremony surrounded by close family. Alongside guests from across the UK, there were also plenty of international guests from both Mauritius and Canada.

Pooja and Sam smiling at each other with wine glasses at their vineyard reception

Why Oakwood House and Balfour Winery were perfect

The couple married at Oakwood House, an elegant register office in Maidstone, which provided a stylish backdrop for the start of their civil ceremony wedding day. The reception was at Balfour Winery, a nearby vineyard, which had the ideal ‘relaxed yet refined’ atmosphere they wanted. “Balfour Winery was just the best,” says Pooja.

Read more: How to plan a registry office wedding

Bride Pooja walking into her civil ceremony with her dad. Pooja and Sam holding hands outside their wedding venue after the civil ceremony

Getting ready and the ceremony

Getting ready with family from around the world

The wedding was on the 7th August and Pooja got ready alongside her maid of honour, her mum, who travelled from Mauritius, and her cousin from Toronto. It was the perfect start for a wedding split across two countries.

Walking down the aisle and ceremony music

Pooja was walked down the aisle by her dad, to ‘Spring 1 – 2012’ by Max Richter. The music is a recomposed version of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’, which suited the calm intimacy of the civil ceremony perfectly.

Close-up of Pooja and Sam holding hands and smiling at each other after the ceremony

Celebrating together after the ceremony

Lunch at Balfour Winery

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch at Balfour Winery. Despite rain for most of the day, the weather cleared just long enough for photographs, making the moment feel extra special. “The best part was planning a wedding that brings families together from Mauritius, Canada and the UK,” says Pooja. “Having everyone together made our day complete."

Personal touches and wedding details

The couple kept the vibe chilled and cosy, with colours of white, peach and turquoise. There were personalised wedding favours featuring their photo and the relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to simply enjoy themselves.

View of the wedding venue in Kent for Pooja and Sam’s civil ceremony wedding

Looking ahead to our Mauritius celebrations

While the UK ceremony marked their legal marriage, celebrations will continue in Mauritius in July 2026. “I am Hindu of faith and we are actually doing it all again in Mauritius.” says Pooja. “It’ll be over three days in July with friends and family there.”

Groom Sam chatting with a wedding guest at the civil ceremony wedding celebration

Advice for future wed2b brides

  • Take time out alone together on the day - it goes by incredibly fast.
  • Choose photographers who guide you and help you feel comfortable, especially if posing doesn’t come naturally.
  • Trust your instincts when you find the dress - you’ll know immediately.
  • Focus on what truly matters, such as family and friends being present.
Pooja and Sam seen through the window of their wedding venue during their civil ceremony day

FAQs

What is a civil ceremony wedding?

A civil ceremony wedding is a non-religious legal ceremony conducted by a registrar. It focuses on the legal marriage while allowing couples to personalise music, readings and settings.

Why choose a civil ceremony wedding?

Many couples choose a civil ceremony wedding because it's simple, flexible, non-religious and one of the most affordable ways to get married. You can marry at a register office or a licensed venue, then celebrate however you like afterwards.

What should you wear to a civil ceremony wedding?

Lots of brides choose to keep it simple, with understated modern styles that suit the setting and tone of the day. Comfort and confidence are key, however there are no rules. So, if you want the big dress, go for it!

Can you personalise a civil ceremony wedding?

Yes, civil ceremonies can include personalised music, vows and flowers. Small touches often make the day feel more intimate, however check details with your registrar first. Some registrars have rules around religious content, so always check what is permitted before finalising your ceremony details.

How do you plan a wedding across multiple countries?

Planning a wedding across multiple countries often involves separating legal and cultural celebrations. Finding a wedding planner in your destination country is a good idea, alongside clear communication and early planning.

Is a civil ceremony the same as a registry office wedding?

A registry office wedding is a type of civil ceremony held at a register office. Civil ceremonies can also take place at licensed venues, such as hotels, vineyards and country houses.

How long does a civil ceremony wedding take?

Most civil ceremonies are fairly short, often around 20–30 minutes, but timings vary depending on your venue and registrar.

Do you exchange rings in a civil ceremony?

You can, but it’s optional. Many couples choose to exchange rings and add personal vows, depending on what your registrar allows.

Kent Wedding suppliers

Photographers: Katie & Yousef at Rose Studios

Venues: Oakwood House and Balfour Winery

Table decor: London Picnic Club

Favours: Maison des Napolitaines

Read more: Real bride civil ceremony stories UK

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