Junior Rasmussen
Registry office weddings are a popular option for couples who want a non-religious, budget-friendly, and more relaxed wedding. They are also a great option for couples who want to take care of the legal bits before a destination wedding. Registry office weddings are cheaper, easier to organise, more flexible, and can be just as beautiful as traditional weddings. If you're thinking of having a registry office wedding, there are a few things you need to do to book your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ceremony type | Civil or religious |
| Location | Any registry office |
| Cost | Cheaper than traditional weddings |
| Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Notice | To be given at the local registry office |
| Documents | Proof of address, passport, proof of name change, divorce/death certificate |
| Witnesses | 2, can be anyone |
| Clothing | No restrictions |
| Decorations | Depends on the registry office |
| Food | No restrictions |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a registry office
There are a few things to consider when choosing a registry office:
Location: You can choose any registry office in the UK, it doesn't have to be the one closest to you. You can pick the registry office in the town you were born or a place that holds a special meaning for you. You can use an online registry office finder to help you choose.
Size: Registry office ceremony spaces vary in size. Some offices have larger spaces for bigger guest lists, while others have intimate rooms for small weddings. You can choose a registry office based on the number of guests you plan to invite.
Cost: The cost of a registry office wedding can vary depending on the location and specific office. Some offices may have higher fees than others. It's a good idea to check with your chosen registry office to understand the exact costs involved.
Availability: When choosing a registry office, you'll need to consider the availability of the office and the registrar. Popular dates may get booked up quickly, so it's essential to plan ahead and be flexible with your chosen date.
Decorations: Most registry offices will have their own flower decorations and rules regarding additional decorations. If you want to bring your own flowers or decorations, check with the registry office beforehand to see if they allow external decorations and if there are any restrictions.
Once you've considered these factors and chosen your preferred registry office, you can contact them to confirm the date and time of your ceremony and book your registrar. Don't forget to give notice at your local registry office, even if you're marrying at a different location.
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Booking a registrar
Step 1: Choose Your Registry Office
Decide on the registry office where you wish to hold your wedding ceremony. It could be the one closest to you, or you may choose one that holds a special meaning for you. Consider the size of your guest list, as different offices offer varying ceremony space options.
Step 2: Contact the Registry Office
Get in touch with your chosen registry office to confirm the availability of your desired date and time. Many offices allow you to do this online or over the phone.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
You will then need to book an appointment at your local registry office to give notice of your marriage. This is a legal requirement, and you must do this at least 28 days before your wedding, with your notice being valid for up to 12 months. There is a fee of £35 per person for giving notice.
Step 4: Prepare the Necessary Documents
When giving notice, you will need to provide several documents, including proof of home address, a valid passport, and proof of any name changes. If either of you has been married or in a civil partnership before, you will also need to bring a decree absolute or your former partner's death certificate.
Step 5: Attend the Appointment
At your appointment, you will have a short interview, fill out some forms, and have your identity checked. If you and your partner live in different registration districts, you should give notice separately at your respective local registry offices.
Step 6: Finalise the Details
After giving notice, continue finalising the details of your ceremony with the registrar, including any readings, music, or personal touches you wish to include. Remember to discuss any specific requirements or restrictions with them.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to securing your registrar and making your registry office wedding official!
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Giving notice
When giving notice, there are specific documents you must provide. These include details of your chosen wedding venue, proof of your home address, a valid passport, and proof of any name changes. Additionally, if either of you has been married or in a civil partnership before, you'll need to provide proof, such as a decree absolute or a former partner's death certificate. There is a fee for giving notice, which is typically £35 per person.
It's important to plan ahead when giving notice, as there are specific time frames to consider. You must give notice at least 28 days before your wedding, and your notice will be valid for up to 12 months. This means you have a one-year window to hold your ceremony after giving notice.
After giving notice at your local registry office, they will notify the office where you plan to marry. You will then need to contact your chosen registry office to book an appointment for an interview, identity check, and to complete the necessary forms. This interview is typically brief, lasting around 15 minutes, and is an opportunity to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order.
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$11.98 $12.99
Required documents
To book a registry office wedding, you will need to give notice at your local registry office. This involves signing a legal statement confirming your intention to get married or form a civil partnership. You must do this at least 28 days before your wedding, and your notice will be valid for up to 12 months. There is a fee of £35 per person to give notice.
When giving notice, you will need to bring various documents, including:
- Proof of home address
- A valid passport
- Proof of any name changes
- Proof of divorce or a former partner's death certificate (if applicable)
- Details of your wedding venue and date
After giving notice, you will need to contact your chosen registry office to book an appointment for an interview, identity check, and form-filling. This interview usually takes around 15 minutes, and you will be asked to arrive 15-30 minutes beforehand. During the interview, you will be asked questions to confirm your eligibility for marriage. If you pass the interview, you will be able to proceed with your registry office wedding.
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Witnesses
You will need two witnesses to get married at a register office in the UK. There is no legal age limit for your witnesses, but you must check with your chosen registry office in case they have their own restrictions. Your witnesses must understand the language of the ceremony and have the mental capacity to understand what is taking place.
Your witnesses must be present to witness your ceremony and sign at the time of marriage. It is usual to choose witnesses that are close friends or family, but you can choose anyone to be a witness.
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Frequently asked questions
First, choose your registry office. You can use a registry office finder online or simply choose the one closest to you. Next, contact your chosen registry office to confirm a time and date for your ceremony. You will then need to give notice at your local registry office. If you are marrying outside your district, your local registry office can notify the other office on your behalf. You will need to bring documents to this appointment, including proof of address and any name changes. You will also need to pay a fee to give notice.
The price of a registrar starts from £36 if you are both UK citizens. You will also need to pay for the use of the council office and for giving notice. Marriage certificates cost between £8-£12.50 each, depending on your location.
The ceremony itself usually takes around 15 minutes, but you will need to arrive 15-30 minutes beforehand. You will be interviewed separately before the ceremony, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
You will need to bring a valid passport, proof of address, and proof of any name changes. If you have been married or in a civil partnership before, you will need to bring a decree absolute or your former partner's death certificate.
You will need two witnesses. There is no legal age limit for witnesses, but they must understand the language of the ceremony and have the mental capacity to understand what is taking place.
