Marriage register searches

When a marriage is registered, it is entered in to a register.  Once all the entries in a register are full, it is archived.  Any searches of a marriage entry relating to family history, is known as a historical search.

If you wish to obtain a copy certificate of a marriage entry, you may apply by telephone, in person or download the online form, and post it to the Register Office.

You will need to provide the following information:

• The names of the people the marriage certificate applies to
• The date of the marriage, if not, then at least the year and the monthly quarter
• The district in which the marriage took place
• Any other relevant information that may help locate the certificate

Fees

Applying in person:

£12.00 -Priority same day service
£10.00 - Post to customer next working day service (1^st class post)
£9.00 - Collect next working day service
£10 - Postal applications

Cheques are acceptable over the counter on production of a Cheque Guarantee Card.

Applying by telephone or by post:

If you wish to apply by phone, we will take your debit/credit card details.  All applications over the telephone are treated as priority applications and will cost £12 per certificate.  If you wish to apply by post, you may send a cheque or postal order for £10.  We aim to process postal applications the day we receive them, however please allow ten working days for the office to search for, issue and send certificates to you.

Overseas applicants

Overseas applicants need to send their payment by cash in UK pounds sterling by registered post if possible, or send a cheque drawn up in pounds sterling.

A certificate cannot be issued until payment has been received.  Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Contact us:

Tower Hamlets Register Office
Bromley Public Hall
Bow Road
London E3 3AA
Tel: 020 7364 7880/7884
Fax: 020 7364 7885

Email: register.office@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Visit: Tower Hamlets Register Office

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. Wednesday 9.30-11.30am and 2-4.30pm.           

We do not operate an appointment system so you can attend this office anytime during the opening hours. We do have early morning and late evening appointments for giving Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership and Nationality Checking Service, please call us for further information and to book an appointment. 

Please note: All parties wishing to place Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership need to attend this office by 4pm. NON Tower Hamlets residents must contact us to arrange an appointment.          

Download map to register office (word, 411kb)

Related services

Copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates