The Ceremony
A civil marriage ceremony may take place in a Registration (Register) Office or other building licensed for civil ceremonies. The ceremony is conducted by a Registration Officer; it must be of a strictly non- religious nature.
A religious ceremony may 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.
Couples are each required to give notice of civil marriage and in some cases for marriage in a Church or Chapel. For couples living in or wishing to give notice of marriage in the Devon County Council area, contact the most convenient Registration Office - this does not need to be in the area where the couple live. Devon's Registration Office opening hours vary from area to area and all of them operate an appointments system. You should contact your chosen office by telephone - 0845 155 1002 - to obtain further information or to arrange an appointment.
Approved Premises
The Marriage Act 1994 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004 has allowed suitable premises to be licensed for civil ceremonies, offering a vast choice of type, location and cost. You may marry at any approved premises in England or Wales.
To book a ceremony at an Approved Premises, contact the chosen venue direct. Registration Officers will be required to conduct and register the marriage so it is important to contact the Registration Office for the area in which the chosen venue is situated as early as possible. It is recommended that you do not pay a deposit to your chosen venue until you have confirmed with the relevant Registration Office that Registration Officers will be available for the day and time of the proposed ceremony.
Church of England or Church in Wales
Should you wish to be married in either of the above you or your partner would generally have to live within the parish of the church, or be a regular worshipper. If the minister is able to marry you, he/she will arrange for the Banns to be called or for a Common Licence to be issued. The marriage will also be registered by the minister, and there is generally no need to involve the local Registration Office. If the Registration Office needs to be contacted, the vicar should advise you.
Other Places of Religious Worship
The church or religious building in question must normally be located within the registration district where you or your partner live, or, if outside the district, be a place of regular worship for either or both of you. The service will be conducted by the Minister of the venue, but occasionally a Registrar is required to register the marriage.
To book a ceremony at any of the above venues, contact the Minister of the Church, and the local Registration Office, where necessary.
The above information is a general guide only. For marriages outside England or Wales, or marriages between people with special needs or requirements, contact the Registration Office for advice - 0845 155 1002.
The Legal Formalities
Unless you are marrying in the Church of England or Church in Wales by Banns or Common Licence, notice of marriage has to be given by each of you personally by appointment at a Registration Office.
The requirements for giving notice of marriage in certain circumstances changed from 1 February 2005. Before making arrangements to give notice of marriage, if you have any doubt regarding your nationality or immigration status please contact the Home Office on 0870 606 7766.
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 registration office. If you both live in the same registration district, you may each give notice at the same office. If you live in different registration districts, you will each need to give notice separately in your own area.
A notice of marriage is valid for twelve months. You may therefore not give notice of marriage 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 change the date of your marriage (provided it is before the expiry date), a change of location would require fresh notices and fees.
After giving notice you must wait a further fifteen clear days before the marriage can take place (for example, if notice is given on 1st July, the marriage may take place on or after 17th July).
BOTH authorities must have been issued on or before the day of the marriage. Authorities for Marriage are the legal documents which enable the marriage to take place.
Marriage Certificates
The marriage will be authorised by Superintendent Registrars Certificate. There is a Statutory fee for a marriage certificate.
Documents Required by Law
When you attend a Registration Office to give notice of marriage, you will need to produce certain documents to confirm your name, age, marital status and nationality.
Preferred documents are:
Also required:
Costs
There is a national Statutory fee payable when you give notice.
In addition a Statutory fee is payable on the day for ceremonies at Registration Offices together with a fee for the marriage certificate.
Marriages at approved premises will incur venue costs and these should be discussed direct. A fee for the attendance of the Registration Officers, which is variable depending on the day on which the ceremony takes place is payable at least two months before the ceremony date.
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 Statutory fee is payable on the day.
The preferred method of payment for fees payable to Devon County Council is by credit or debit card or cash. If payment is by cheque this should be made payable to Devon County Council.
A marriage at a Church of England or Church in Wales does not generally involve the Register Office; enquiries regarding fees must be directed to the Minister of the church.
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