Marriage - Arrangement and Ceremony

The ceremony

A civil ceremony can take place in a Register Office or other building licensed for marriage ceremonies. Weddings must be completed within the hours of 8am to 6pm. They are conducted by a registrar and must be of a strictly non-religious nature. Whilst there are certain words which must be said, we can tailor the ceremony to ensure it is personal to you. You can also choose readings and music which can really make your day special.

A religious ceremony can take place in a church, chapel or other building of religious worship which has been formally registered for marriage ceremonies. The service is conducted by the minister in accordance with the religious rites and ceremonies of the premises, but occasionally a registrar will be required to register the marriage.

Approved premises & wedding venues

There are various venues in Hackney in which to be married. Please contact the Registrars for a free copy of our Wedding Brochure.

It is also possible for suitable privately owned premises to be licensed for marriage ceremonies, offering a vast choice of type, location and cost. Hackney has a number of venues approved for marriage. They range from former churches, 16th century houses to theatres, galleries and of course the Town Hall.

To book a marriage at an Approved Premises, contact the proprietor of the building first to ensure they have the date available. You will then need to contact the Register Office to book the registrars to conduct the ceremony.

The legal formalities

Unless you are marrying in the Church of England of Church in Wales by Banns or Common License, notice of marriage has to be given by each of you personally to your local Superintendent Registrar(s).

Both of you must have lived in a registration district in England or Wales for at least seven days immediately before giving notice at the register office. If you both live in the same district, you will each give notice at the same office. If you live in different registration districts, you will each give notice separately in your own area.

A notice of marriage is valid for twelve months. You may therefore not give notice of marriage to the Superintendent Registrar more than twelve months before the date of your wedding.

A notice of marriage is valid only for the venue named on the notice. Whereas it may be possible to alter the date of your marriage (provided it is before the expiry date), a change of location would require a fresh notice and fee.

After giving notice you must wait a further fifteen clear days before the marriage can take place (for example, if notice is given on 1 July, the marriage may take place on or after 17 July).

If either party are subject to immigration control, please read the section below; Information for Foreign Nationals.

Both authorities must have been issued on or before the day of the marriage.

Marriage authorities

The marriage will be authorised by Superintendent Registrars Certificate. These certificates need to be collected and taken to the venue for the marriage ceremony to go ahead. You will be advised when 'giving notice' when the authorities will become available.

Documents required by law

When you attend before a Superintendent Registrar to make formal arrangements, you will need to produce official documents to confirm your name, age, marital status, nationality and address, such as a passport of birth certificate.

Also required:

• If you have been widowed, the death certificate of your former spouse
• If you are divorced, a decree absolute bearing the court's original stamp deed Poll documents if you have changed your name
• A completed parental consent form if you are under 18 years of age

Information for Foreign Nationals intending to marry in the UK

EEA countries are those listed below. Nationals from these countries are not subject to immigration control.

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland*, United Kingdom

*Switzerland is not an EEA country but Swiss nationals have the same free movement as EEA nationals

Foreign nationals other than those from a European Economic Area (including Switzerland), cannot be married in the UK unless they fulfil certain requirements.

These are:

• They must have Entry Clearance expressly for the purpose of enabling them to marry in UK - a Marriage or Fiancé(e) Visa in their passport. This should be gained from a British Embassy or High Commission in their country of origin; or
• They must have a Indefinite leave to remain granted and this has been stamped in their passport; or
• They must have a Certificate of Marriage Approval from Home Office. Certificate of Marriage Approval must be applied for by post from the Home Office. It costs £135 for each Foreign National and is valid for 3 months. Any enquiries about applying for the Certificate of Approval must be made to the Home Office on 08706 067766
• The couple intending to marry must then attend a Designated Register Office together to give Notice of Marriage. They need to bring with them all the required documentation otherwise notice cannot be taken

Costs

You will each be charged a fee of £30 when you give notice. Current fees and the capacity of each venue can be found on the Downloads section to the right of this page.

Plus:

• A marriage at the Register Office will be £43.50 payable at least 10 days in advance of the ceremony
• A marriage at approved premises will incur a fee to the proprietors of the premises, and a fee for the attendance of the registrars, which is variable depending on the day on which the ceremony takes place
• A marriage at a Place of Religious Worship will incur a fee to the Minister of the Building (variable); in addition, if a Registrar is required to register the marriage, a fee of £50.50 is payable in advance
• A marriage at a Church of England or Church in Wales does not generally involve the Register Office and enquiries regarding fees must be directed to the Minister of the church

All fees except for weddings in approved premises are set by law. The fees for married in an approved premises are available from the register office.

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Page updated: 23 Sep 2008