Does anyone know if we can use the instrumental version of Halo by Beyonce in a civil ceremony? I know it has a religious (kind of) title but there wouldnt be any words.
Its the only song I really like! Typical. Thanks
CommentAuthorLittle Kettle
I'm no expert but from what others have said on other threads about civil ceremonies, I think they are really strict, so I would be surprised if they let you, even though it's a instrumental version. Can you call them and ask?
Vegas baby!
Moderator
CommentAuthorMrsThomson2B
If you wouldn't lose money have you considered an inter faith celebrant? ceremony can be as religious as you like and mix 2 more more different faiths so you can have any song you like and miss the readings xx
CommentAuthorFinally Susan B
yes, I think it's ok if there's no words. We chatted with our registrar about Ave Maria and she said only the words are a problem, instrumental is fine.
Give your registry office a call - the little old lady at our local office reception is so helpful and willing to chat away all day about weddings :-)
CommentAuthorFinally Susan B
Sorry Cathryn, what is inter faith celebrant? Does that mean you can have someone other than a registrar at the registry office? Or only for hotel type venues etc? Because I am really upset that I cant say 'for better for worse' etc , not even adapted in a reading
As far as I know it's the words not the music Hun xxx
I can't wait to become his Wife :-) <3
4th July 2015 <3
CommentAuthorNicoleee_x
i had a similar question to this and did a lot of digging and yes, it is 'no religious wording' :)
If you did want the song Halo, when it comes to wording it depends on the registrar, each district has different rules and each registrar has different leniency. Some are happy to allow Halo/Angels etc songs that are clearly not written in a religious context... others are very strict!
So yeah, i think you'll be fine with the instrumental version but it's always worth havin a chat with ur registrar to see what they will/will not allow you :) xxx
CommentAuthorRachaelC80
I also was clueless when it came to the music for a civil ceremony!!! We went to give notice 2 weeks ago and got clarification on this. You can have Ave Maria so would of thought you can have Halo??? As long as it's not religious cantantation it's fine??!!! But, have a word with the Registry office just to confirm.
:-)
CommentAuthorLauraJo87
It is at the registrars discretion, some are more strict than others. We were told no to ave Maria. I also know of a bride that wasn't allowed an instrumental of 'say a little prayer'.
Check it out first, hopefully they will be reasonable (unlike ours)! Xx
My Beating Heart Belongs To You
30 August 2013
The First Day Of My Happily Ever After
CommentAuthorLauraJo87
Ooh I found an interesting article about it from the beeb from 2005.
The general gist are that rules have been relaxed - before then it was unlawful to have any songs with words with them that we're associated with religion - such as robbie Williams 'angels' or 'say a little prayer'.
It says that classical music with religious origins such as Pie Jesu, ave Maria or zadok the priest 'may be allowed after discussion with the registrar'
It's all a bit silly - I don't think any of my guests would recognise 'ave Maria' let alone the religious connotation xx
My Beating Heart Belongs To You
30 August 2013
The First Day Of My Happily Ever After
CommentAuthorFinally Susan B
Our registrar explained that when regisrty offices were first allowed to perform marriages, it was a stipulation from the churches that ' no religious content' was allowed. Perhaps that's why it's open to interpretation. There should be clear guidelines so that we all know where we are
CommentAuthorRachaelC80
Well Said Almost Mrs B!!! As our Registra said no to Pie Jesus but yes to Ave Maria??? Not that I want them but a song that has the word Angels in it??(The Stone Roses, Tightrope)
It would be good to have the same rule in all the Registry Offices :-)
