A civil wedding is no longer just a quick formality at the registry office. Today, it can be a beautiful and elegant event, planned exactly the way you want. Many couples choose stylish venues like hotels or riverside restaurants to make the day special. So, what does a civil wedding look like and how can you plan it step by step?
Planning a civil wedding is not difficult if you take it one step at a time.
First, you need to take care of the formalities. You will need:
You should register your intention to marry at least 31 days before the ceremony. This gives the office time to check all documents. In special cases, this waiting time can be shorter.
You also need two adult witnesses at the ceremony.
Most civil weddings take place at a registry office, but more and more couples choose outdoor locations or elegant venues.
A hotel is a great option because it allows you to organize both the ceremony and the reception in one place. For example, at Qubus Hotel, you can have everything in one location without moving between places.
Civil wedding invitations can be just as elegant as church wedding invitations. Popular styles include:
This is also a good way to clearly inform guests about the plan for the day.
The couple’s outfit is an important part of the day.
Men usually choose a classic suit, sometimes with more creative colors or accessories. Brides have more options. A civil wedding dress can be:
Light and simple dresses are very popular because they match the relaxed style of civil weddings.
Besides documents, venue, and outfits, you also need wedding rings.
It’s also worth planning small details like music and decorations to create the right atmosphere.
A civil wedding is led by a registry officer. It is official, but often also very emotional and elegant.
The most important moment is the vows, when the couple promises to support each other.
After that:
The ceremony usually takes about 15–20 minutes.
Modern civil weddings are often based on a theme that reflects the couple’s personality.
Details make the event special, such as:
Travel Theme 🌍
Perfect for couples who love to travel. World maps, table names inspired by cities, place cards in the form of plane tickets, or decorations referring to shared trips.
Movie Theme 🎬
Favorite movies or TV series as inspiration – from subtle references (e.g. quotes) to full venue styling in a cinematic atmosphere.
Italian / Mediterranean Theme 🍋
Lemons, olives, bright colors, lightness, and a holiday vibe – perfect for a formal dinner instead of a traditional wedding reception.
Music Theme 🎶
Vinyl records, instruments, playlists important to the couple – you can also create your own soundtrack for the entire ceremony.
Nature / Mountains / Lakes Theme 🌿
Perfect for a civil wedding outside the registry office – lots of greenery, wood, natural materials, and a calm, romantic atmosphere.
A modern civil wedding is more than just a formality – it’s a unique celebration that you can plan entirely your own way.
It’s worth celebrating this special day and not ending it with just the ceremony at the registry office, so you can remember it for years to come. A popular choice is a formal dinner or a small gathering with family and close friends. Qubus Hotel recommends hosting a celebration at its venues – for example, a restaurant by the Vistula River in Kraków, with a view of the Motława River in Gdańsk, near the Market Square in Wrocław, or in the center of Katowice, as well as in other cities. These are great places to celebrate such an important occasion. Elegant interiors, refined menus, and excellent service help highlight the importance of the event.
More and more couples choose to have a civil wedding in a wedding hall – it’s a convenient and impressive solution. Not only does it offer a unique atmosphere and more уютny setting than a registry office, but it also has many practical advantages:
At Qubus Hotels, you can combine the ceremony and the reception in one place. Our venues offer elegant spaces for civil weddings that can be arranged according to the couple’s vision. You will also have support from an event specialist who will help you with the planning.
At Qubus Hotel, you can organize both a dinner and a larger wedding reception. It’s a very convenient solution because:
Whether you are planning a wedding in Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, or another city, or looking for a wedding venue in Bydgoszcz, the most important thing is that the day reflects your vision.
Create your dream wedding with Qubus Hotel.
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04October 2026
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