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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update

Our services are running at a reduced capacity. Please check our individual pages for updates on what services are running and any restrictions that are in place.

Our terms and conditions have also been updated to show the changes we have in place to keep our building, customers and colleagues safe.

Face coverings must be worn at the Register Office unless you are medically exempt.


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Giving notice of intention

26 January 2021 Update

The latest government advice means we are closing our office for the majority of appointments. This isn't a decision we have taken easily, and we understand the frustration this will cause many, but it is important that we do all that we can to protect our colleagues, our customers, our community and of course the NHS.

We have made this decision at this time so we can focus all our resources on registering the increased number of people who have unfortunately lost their lives due to coronavirus.

We thank you for your understanding.

Suspension of Notice of Intention appointments

Therefore we are temporarily suspending Notice of Intention appointments until at least 1 March 2021. We aim to have online bookings again from 22 February 2021, so please check back then to make a booking.

Rescheduled appointments 

We have contacted all existing bookings that were due to take place before 1 March. If you have an appointment, please do not attend the register office. There is no provision in law for us to offer these appointments virtually via the internet or telephone.

Exceptional circumstances

We continue to offer notice appointments in exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis. If you feel this applies to you, please email us with the reasoning so we can see if it is possible to allocate an appointment. This would usually involve a life-changing illness or medical procedure.

When to give notice

This is a legal requirement which must be completed at least 29 days prior to the ceremony. In certain cases, depending on your immigration status, this may be extended to 71 days. Therefore, we advise that whenever possible you give notice at least three-six months prior to your ceremony.

You can only give notice after you've finalised your date and location. A notice of marriage is valid only for the venue named on the notice. While it may be possible to alter the date of your marriage, a change of location would require a fresh notice and fee. So make sure that you have booked both the venue for your ceremony and registrars before placing your notices of marriage.

What to bring

  • Both of your passports

  • Two original proofs of address each - this must be:An interpreter over the age of 18 with identification, if you need one.

    • Your most recent council tax statement (within the last 12 months- both parties cannot use the same statement)
    • A utility bill from the last three months (not any kind of phone or broadband bill- both parties cannot use the same bill)
    • An individual bank statement (within the last month)
    • An individual mortgage statement (within the last year)
    • A valid driving licence.

If you or your partner is from outside the EU, EEA or from Switzerland, you’ll also need to bring:

  • a passport sized photo for each of you (even if only one of you is from outside the EU, EEA or from Switzerland)

  • proof of your current immigration status (for example, your visa)

  • a translation of any documents that are not in English

Please ensure that all documents are original and not print-outs of emails, online statements or photocopies. If you bank online, you will need to go into your local branch and request a statement on headed or stamped paper.

If you've ever been divorced, widowed or changed your name, you will also need the relevant documentation, in English, for each of these events:

  • a decree absolute or final order

  • your former partner’s death certificate

  • You also need to bring proof of your divorce, annulment or dissolution if it was granted outside of the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. There is a fee to check foreign divorces.

If either of you is under 18 at the time of giving notice, you must provide your full birth certificate, with a signed and dated third party translation provided if the document is not in English. Parental consent must be provided in the form of a letter or a Form 55 completed by all relevant parties.

Foreign nationals

Are you or your partner from somewhere outside of the UK, EEA or Switzerland? You will need some additional information, so please familiarise yourself with what you need to do to register before booking an appointment.