Where can I get married?
There are three types of ceremony venues offered within England and Wales:
- A civil ceremony in a Register Office.
- A civil ceremony in an Approved Premises.
- A religious ceremony in a church or other religious building.
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A Civil Ceremony in a Register Office
Cheshire has four attractive marriage rooms in each of our Register Offices situated in Chester, Crewe, Northwich and Macclesfield.
You can make a booking to have a Register Office ceremony up to one year in advance.
As soon as you have decided on a ceremony date, we recommend that you contact your chosen Register Office, to check availability and make a provisional booking.
We will hold your provisional booking for a short time to enable you to give legal notice of marriage which, once completed, will confirm your booking.
We charge a statutory fee for the attendance of two Registrars and the use of the marriage room.
The marriage rooms are available from Monday to Saturday, between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
A Civil Ceremony in an Approved Premises
There is a variety of over 100 Approved Premises within Cheshire which are licensed to hold civil marriages including: hotels, stately homes, restaurants and even a zoo.
Although the legal marriage notices are only valid for twelve months, you can book Registrars up to two years in advance, by telephoning the Register Office for the registration area in which the Approved Premise is located. A deposit is payable, which is deducted from the fee charged for the Registrars to attend on the day of the marriage.
Marriages at Approved Premises are performed seven days per week, (including some bank holidays) between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Religious Ceremonies
A religious ceremony may take place at a church or chapel of the Church of England or Church of Wales, or in any other place of worship formally registered for marriages by the Registrar General.
Church of England or Wales
If you wish to be married in the Church of England or Church of Wales please speak to the Vicar of that Church first. If the Vicar can marry you, he or she will make arrangements for the Banns to be called or for a common license to be issued. If Banns are not called, you will both have to give notice of marriage in the area in which you live. Please see ‘Booking Your Marriage’ for further details.
Other churches or religious buildings
If you are planning a wedding in any other church or religious building, first seek permission from the Minister or governing body before you make other arrangements. You will need to give a notice of marriage to the Superintendent Registrar for the area in which you reside. Usually there is a person appointed at the church or building who can register your marriage. If not, a Registrar from the area in which the venue is located will have to attend. Please check the availability of the Registrar before making further arrangements.
What should I do if I marry overseas?
If you are thinking about getting married abroad, please contact the appropriate embassy or consulate so that they can advise you of the formalities and documentation required by that country. For more information and advice, you can contact the ‘General Register Office’ on 0151 471 4801 or visit their website:
How can I book my marriage?
- The first step in booking your marriage is to decide where you would like the marriage to take place and make a provisional booking. If you choose one of our Approved Premises, please check that Registrars are available from the local Register Office.
- The next step is to arrange to complete the legal notices of marriage in the registration authority where you have been resident for the previous seven days. If you live in Cheshire, you can telephone one of the three main Register Offices to make an appointment. If you live outside Cheshire, please contact your local Register Office. If you live in different local authority areas, notices will have to be given in each area. Both parties have to give notice in person.
- When you call to make your appointment to give notice, ask your Registrar which documents you will need to produce, such as:
- Evidence of identity, age and nationality, ideally a passport.
- Change of name documents.
- Proof of residence in the form of a utility bill or other official document which shows your home address
- If appropriate, evidence of how any previous marriage ended, such as a divorce decree absolute or a death certificate.
- If you are under 18 years, parental consent will be required.
- If either of you are subject to immigration control you will need to provide further documents.
- Please have the correct fee with you when you give notice.
- Marriage cannot take place until after 15 clear days have elapsed from the day of giving notice. During the 15 day waiting period, the notices will be displayed in your local Register Office.
- Once the 15 day waiting period has elapsed, the marriage can only take place at the venue specified on the notices. The notices are valid for 12 months. If you change the venue, or the notices expire, fresh notices will have to be given.
Are there any restrictions to non UK citizens?
There are special procedures when either partner is a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national who is subject to immigration control. If this applies to you, please contact your local Register Office for further advice.
Can I personalise my ceremony?
Once your booking is confirmed and you have both given notice of marriage, you will receive our marriage ceremony guide which outlines ideas and suggestions for your ceremony.
If you wish to personalise your ceremony with your own readings and music or if you would like to discuss any aspect of your ceremony, please do not hesitate to contact the Superintendent Registrar who will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Please note, legally we are not allowed to include wording, readings or music which may have religious connotations within our civil marriage ceremonies.
Marriages within the Church of England or Wales
A marriage within the Church of England or Wales does not generally involve the Register Office. Enquiries regarding fees must be directed to the Vicar or Incumbent of the church.
Where can I obtain further information?
When you have booked your wedding with us, remember to request our free booklet entitled 'Congratulations on Your Forthcoming Marriage' which contains information to help you plan your day including advice for the ceremony, suggested readings and how to obtain a commemorative certificate.
Speak to a Registrar for further details or telephone: 0845 11 333 11 for your copy.
Please note: We currently do not perform ceremonies on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday or Easter Monday.
What costs are involved?
All the fees for marriage are shown on our fees page.
Fees for marriages conducted at non-conformist or Roman Catholic churches, please contact the appropriate Minister or Priest.
Where can I obtain further information?
When you have booked your wedding with us, remember to request our free booklet entitled 'Congratulations on Your Forthcoming Marriage' which contains information to help you plan your day including advice for the ceremony, suggested readings and how to obtain a commemorative certificates.
Speak to a Registrar for further details or telephone: 0845 11 333 11 for your copy.
Important Note: If you have been living on your own and claiming Single Person Discount on Council Tax, and are now going to be living with your spouse, then please ensure you notify the relevant authority.
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