Can you get married any time of day?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Getting married at any time of day is something that many people may desire, but it may not always be possible due to various practical considerations. While it is true that laws regarding marriage may not restrict the timing of the ceremony, finding a registrar or clergyman who is willing to perform a marriage at anti-social hours can be a challenge.

Firstly, it is important to note that the availability of registrars or clergymen may vary depending on the location and the specific requirements of the couple. In some areas, there may be a limited number of officials who are authorized to conduct marriages, and their availability may be limited to regular office hours. This means that if you wish to get married outside of these hours, it may be difficult to find someone who is willing to accommodate your request.

Even if you are able to find a registrar or clergyman who is available, they may charge additional fees for performing a marriage outside of normal working hours. This is because they may need to rearrange their schedules or make special arrangements to accommodate your wedding. These additional charges can vary depending on the time of day and the specific requirements of the ceremony.

Another aspect to consider is the availability of other wedding services, such as photographers. If you choose to have a late-night or early morning wedding, it may be more challenging to find a photographer who is available during these unconventional hours. Additionally, some photographers may charge extra for working outside of their usual working hours.

It is important to keep in mind that while it may be legally possible to get married at any time of day, the practicalities and logistics of doing so can be complex. It is advisable to plan ahead and discuss your desired timing with the necessary officials and service providers to ensure that they are available and willing to accommodate your request.

In my personal experience, I have known couples who have had unconventional wedding timings, such as early morning or late-night ceremonies. They had to put in extra effort to find a registrar and other service providers who were willing to work at those hours. Additionally, they had to budget for the additional costs associated with these non-standard timings.

While it may be legally possible to get married at any time of day, practical considerations such as the availability of registrars or clergymen, as well as other wedding service providers, may make it challenging. It is important to plan ahead, discuss your desired timing with the necessary officials, and be prepared for potential additional costs associated with anti-social hour weddings.