Welcome to your ceremony in Hertfordshire A guide to arranging the most important day of your life! Congratulations to you both. It is so important to find the perfect setting to celebrate your relationship and make that life-long commitment. We are delighted that you have chosen Hertfordshire and we will do everything we can to ensure you have the ceremony of your dreams.
The essential guide to ceremonies in Hertfordshire
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
content Welcome to your ceremony in Hertfordshire Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies
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Choosing a register office in Hertfordshire
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The Hertfordshire register offices
7-14
Choosing an approved venue in Hertfordshire / Outside ceremonies Approved venues in the county of Hertfordshire
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Celebration ceremonies
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How to book your ceremony
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Legal preliminaries to marriage or civil partnership / When and where can you give notice? What documents do you need to take to your notice appointment? After giving notice of marriage or civil partnership
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Planning your marriage ceremony
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On the day
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Planning a civil partnership ceremony
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Frequently asked questions
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Getting married in a church or religious building Weddings abroad / Changes to your passport / Re-registration of your children Changing your name after marriage or civil partnership
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Sponsoring venues
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Local wedding services
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Zoë Cooper Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Welcome to your ceremony in Hertfordshire A guide to arranging your perfect ceremony Congratulations to you both. It is so important to find the perfect setting to celebrate your relationship and make a lifelong commitment. We are delighted that you are considering Hertfordshire and we will do everything we can to ensure you have the ceremony of your dreams.
Perfect Memories Photography
As you read through this brochure, we will provide you with step-by-step information to help you decide where to have your ceremony, how to book the date, complete the legal requirements and enjoy your special day. There are eight register offices offering attractive ceremony rooms in Hertfordshire, plus nearly 100 approved venues, so there is plenty of choice to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a small intimate occasion or a
more elaborate celebration on a larger scale, we will ensure you receive a professional and committed service from our staff. If you would like to speak to a Registration Officer or view one of our ceremony rooms, please call us on 0300 123 4045. Alternatively, you can view many beautiful photographs of our register offices and venues on our Instagram @hitchedinherts and on our website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies
A civil marriage ceremony A
civil marriage is a legal marriage solemnised as a civil contract without a religious ceremony. It can be between a man and a woman or a couple of the same
sex. You can choose to have your civil marriage ceremony in any register office or approved venue in Hertfordshire. A civil marriage is contracted on the two spoken legal declarations, the first is that you are free to marry and the second is the contracting vow. It can be a very simple ceremony with just two witnesses, or we can help you create a ceremony enhanced with readings and music that is unique to you. There is legal paperwork to complete before you get married and we can guide you through this. For more information on this please see page 20
Zoë Cooper Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
A civil partnership ceremony A opposite-sex couples.
civil partnership is a legal relationship which can be registered by two people who are not related to each other. Civil partner- ships are available to both same-sex couples and
Registering a civil partnership will give your relationship legal recognition. This will give you added legal rights, as well as responsibilities. The registration may be a simple short signing, or you may wish to celebrate with a small ceremony or maybe a larger ceremony enhanced with readings and music. There is legal paperwork to complete before you form your civil partnership and we can guide you through this. For more information on this please see page 20. ‘The registrars were wonderful from the moment we arrived. They were warm, welcoming and genuinely funny, helping to calm our nerves and put us completely at ease. Their friendly approach made the whole experience feel relaxed and personal rather than formal and intimidating.’ Mark
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Choosing a register office in Hertfordshire
The ceremony rooms at our eight register offices offer a variety of styles and capacities. From mock-Tudor through to more contemporary styles and riverside locations, to attractive garden settings for photographs after the ceremony. We offer ceremonies every day of the week. On set days, we offer simple You and Two marriage ceremonies in our offices in Watford, Stevenage, Hatfield and Hemel Hempstead or You and Two civil partnership ceremonies in Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Hertford and Bishop Stortford.
In order to help you decide which register office you prefer, further details for the individual offices can be found on pages 7-14, on our Instagram @hitchedinherts or on our website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars. Viewings can be arranged during office hours. Please call us on 0300 123 4045 to arrange an appointment. Our administration team can advise you of availability and prices for all our offices. Information on how to make a booking can be found on page 19.
Bishop’s Stortford
Hertford
Cheshunt
St Albans
Hatf ield
Stevenage
Hemel Hempstead
Watford
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Pike Photography
Bishop’s Stortford Register Office Riverside House 2 Hockerill Street Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2DL
Pike Photography
Riverside House is a charming mock-Tudor building situated in the old market town of Bishop’s Stortford just next to the River Stort. The impressive Tudor Room is upstairs and provides the perfect setting for your ceremony. The Georgian Room, downstairs, is smaller and more intimate with disabled access. The maximum number of guests permitted for the Tudor Room is 50 and for the Georgian Room 12 . The riverside and Castle Gardens opposite the building are ideal locations for photographs after the ceremony. Parking is available in public car parks only a short walk away. For information on how to book either of the ceremony rooms in Bishop’s Stortford, please see page 19.
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Perfect Memories Photography
Cheshunt Register
Office The Octagonal Suite Bishop’s College Churchgate Cheshunt EN8 9XH
Pike Photography
The beautifully appointed Octagonal Suite sits at the heart of Bishop’s College, a former theological college founded by The Dowager Countess of Huntingdon in the eighteenth century. This bright, welcoming room has a splendid and unusual wooden vaulted ceiling with natural light streaming through tall attractive leaded windows. It is beautifully furnished and boasts attractive floral arrangements. The maximum number of guests permitted for the Octagonal Suite is 50. The grounds feature a small lake, a bridge over the New River, mature gardens and trees. All of this, together with the attractive buildings and ornate stone arches, offer excellent opportunities for photographs. There is a pay-and-display car park at the front of the building and limited on-street parking. For information on how to book the ceremony room in Cheshunt, please see page 19.
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Zoë Cooper Photography
Hatfield Register Office 19b St Albans Road East Hatfield AL10 0NG
The recently refurbished Garden Room in Hatfield offers a bright, stylish contemporary space, combining modern elegance with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The room leads out to a courtyard garden with a wrought iron gazebo which can be used for photographs. The maximum number of guests permitted is 50. There is ample onsite parking with access for your guests. For information on how to book a ceremony in Hatfield, please see page 19.
Zoë Cooper Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Pike Photography
Hemel Hempstead Register Office The Forum, Marlowes Hemel Hempstead HP1 1DN The Hemel Hempstead Register Office is located on the first floor of the Forum, part of Dacorum Borough Council’s civic hub in the heart of Hemel Hempstead. The building is situated on the Marlowes, close to the re-landscaped Water Gardens and Gadebridge Park. The Gadebury Room offers a contemporary and inviting atmosphere, with a bright There are several public car parks within easy walking distance. For information on how to book the ceremony rooms in Hemel Hempstead please see page 19. interior and modern styling. It can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Zoë Cooper Photography
Hertford Register Office The Oak Room County Hall Hertford SG13 8DE The Oak Room provides a calm and dignified setting for ceremonies. The spacious and classically furnished room is flooded with natural light and comfortably seats a maximum of 50 guests. The pretty Millennium Garden by the side of the Oak Room is a wonderful setting for photographs. There is ample parking for you and your guests. For information on how to book the ceremony room in Hertford, please see page 19.
Zoë Cooper Photography
Zoë Cooper Photography
Zoë Cooper Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Zoë Cooper Photography
St Albans Register Office The Gatehouse 1 Victoria Square Victoria Street St Albans AL1 3TF
Zoë Cooper Photography
The Gatehouse was originally the governor’s residence of a Victorian prison and is a unique setting for any ceremony. The ceremony room is situated on the ground floor and has been beautifully furnished to reflect the building’s historic character. The maximum number of guests permitted is 60. The Gatehouse is surrounded by beautiful gardens which feature a striking 1840 siege cannon. The original prison doors and walls, which have featured in many television and film productions, provide a picturesque and unusual backdrop for photographs. There is unlimited parking at the weekends but a restricted permit-parking-only scheme operates during the week (permits are available from registration staff). There is also public parking a short walk away. For information on how to book the ceremony room in St Albans please see page 19.
Zoë Cooper Photography
Zoë Cooper Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Zoë Cooper Photography
Stevenage Register Office Danesgate House Danesgate Stevenage SG1 1WW
Zoë Cooper Photography
Danesgate House offers a contemporary setting for your special day, centrally located in the new town. The ceremony room is modern and light. The maximum number of guests permitted is 40. There is also an opportunity for photographs to be taken in the courtyard garden and under the Gazebo, which is also licensed for ceremonies during the summer months. For information on how to book the ceremony room in Stevenage, please see page 19.
Zoë Cooper Photography
Zoë Cooper Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Pike Photography
Watford Register
Office 31 Hempstead Road Watford WD17 3EY
Pike Photography
The Orangery is a delightful ceremony room, previously forming part of the Grade II-listed Little Cassiobury site. The room is furnished with elegant simplicity and it is flooded with natural light which streams in through three sets of arched French doors which open onto an attractive garden. Planted with shrubs and trees, the outside area has a stone-flagged patio complemented by bricked walkways and a pretty arbour with its own seating. The maximum number of guests permitted for the Orangery is 30. Both inside and out, The Orangery is a beautiful place which will ensure that you will have wonderful photographs of your special day. Car parking is available for you and your guests. For information on how to book the ceremony room in Watford, please see page 19.
Pike Photography
Pike Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Rafe Abrook Photography
Choosing an approved venue in Hertfordshire As an alternative to the register offices, many couples choose to hold their ceremonies in approved venues throughout the county. When it comes to choosing your perfect venue, you can be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for with a huge choice of hotels, country clubs, golf clubs, historical buildings and even a castle. You may wish to make your choice based on location, style of venue, or budget. Please refer to pages 16 and 17 of this brochure where all the venues are listed and shown on the county map. Before choosing your preferred venue, you will need to check that they have availability on your chosen date. Registrars are able to attend ceremonies at approved venues during the week and on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Please check with our administration team on 0300 123 4045 if you require an evening ceremony. Information on how to make a booking for an approved venue can be found on page 19.
Outside ceremonies Many couples dream of having their wedding outside, and we have a number of approved venues that are able to offer beautiful outside settings in which the legal marriage or civil partnership ceremony can take place. These outdoor locations are situated in beautiful gardens, by lakes, or even pretty woodland. Legal marriage and civil partnership ceremonies are able to take place in an approved outdoor space of one of our venues. This applies only to approved venues and not religious premises or other outdoor areas. Please speak to your chosen approved venue for further details. Please remember that it may not always be possible to hold the ceremony outside due to inclement weather, which may include rain, wind or even extremely hot and sunny conditions with no shade. It will therefore be necessary to have an inside option just in case. The registrars will have the final decision on the day taking into consideration the safety and wellbeing of you and your guests.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Approved venues in the county of Hertfordshire
42 Lodge Farm House 43 Manor Elstree (The)
07980 858575 020 8327 4703 01763 272222 01279 600777 01920 487722 07500 946741 01707 275701 01923 243947 01923 778898 01707 276900 01438 986077 01923 721665 01462 341399 01707 629777 01438 346100 01462 768787 01707 287003 01442 891891 01992 504331 01707 876191 01582 489069 01582 938500 01462 678804 01763 284067 01442 232220 01923 859022 020 8441 7649
1 020 3841 9890 2 Aldenham Golf & Country Club 01923 853929 3 Aldenham School 01923 851668 4 Aldwickbury Park Golf Club 01582 760112 5 Allum Manor 020 8953 3415 6 Almshoe Bury Farm 01462 434593 7 Ardmore House Hotel 01727 859313 8 Ashridge House 01442 841027 9 Aubrey Park Hotel 01582 792105 10 Barley Town House 07506 662430 11 Berkhamsted Town Hall 01442 862288 12 Bhageecha 020 8159 8159 13 Boxmoor Lodge Hotel 01442 230770 14 Brickendon Grange 01992 511258 15 Broadway Hotel 01462 480111 16 Brocket Hall 01707 368700 17 Bushey Country Club 020 7118 1717 18 Champneys Tring Wellness Resort 01442 291123 19 Chesfield Downs Golf Club 01462 482929 20 Coltsfoot Country Retreat 01438 212800 21 Double Tree by Hilton London Elstree 020 8214 9988 22 Dyrham Park Country Club 020 8440 3361 23 Essendon Country Club 01707 260360 24 Fanhams Hall 01920 460511 25 Forum Conference & Banqueting Suites 01438 779955 26 Great Hadham Country Club 01279 843558 27 Grove (The) 01923 807807 28 Henry Moore Foundation 01279 843333 29 Hertford Castle 01992 552885 30 Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club 01992 466666 31 Hilton London Watford 01923 235 881 32 Hitchin Priory 01462 547475 33 Hitchin Town Hall 01462 474554 34 Holiday Inn Stevenage 01438 722727 35 Homestead Court Hotel 01707 385515 36 Hotel Cromwell 01438 779954 37 Hunton Park Hotel 01923 277708 38 Knebworth Park 01438 813825 39 Langley Banqueting & Conference Suites 01923 218553 40 Letchworth Hall Hotel 01462 683747 41 Limoncello Restaurant and Pizzaria 01727 260990 610 The Avenue
44 Manor House
45 Manor of Groves Hotel 46 Marriott Hanbury Manor
47 Mayflower Place
48 Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel
49 Metropolitan Police Bushey Sports Club
50 Micklefield Hall
51 Mill Green Golf Club 52 Milling Barn (The) 53 Moor Park Golf Club 54 Needham House Hotel 55 North Mymms Park 56 Novotel Stevenage
57 Offley Place
58 Old Palace & Riding School (Hatfield Park)
59 Pendley Manor Hotel
60 Place House Hall
61 Ponsbourne Park Hotel 62 Putteridge Bury 63 Rothamsted Manor 64 Sadie Centre (The) 65 Sandon Manor 66 Shendish Manor 67 Shenley Park 68 Shire London (The) 69 Sopwell House Hotel & Country Club
01727 864477 70 St Albans Museum & Gallery 01727 864511 71 St Michael’s Manor 01727 864444 72 St Paul’s Walden Bury 01438 871218 73 Stevenage Golf & Conference Centre 01438 880223 74 Sun Hotel 01462 436411 75 Tewin Bury Farm 01438 717793 76 The Barn at Alswick 01763 273530 77 The Barn Tea Green 01582 800222 78 The Cloisters 01462 678059 79 The Farmhouse at Redcoats 01438 729500 80 The Kite at Red Hart 01462 441551 81 Theobalds Estate 01992 210538 82 The Priory Barn 07811 399268 83 The Strong Oak Room 01438 316623
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Register Offices Bishop’s Stortford Cheshunt Hatf ield Hemel Hempstead Hertford St Albans Stevenage Watford
84 The View
01707 336007 01923 721510 01763 848328 01707 650502 01920 469290 020 3841 9890 01462 683747 01442 349955 01923 911261 03707 776132
85 The Waterside
86 The Woodman Inn
87 The Woodman Inn Lodge & Restaurant 88 Three Lakes Restaurant
89 Village Hotel 90 Ware Priory
91 Watermill Hotel 92 Woodoaks Farm
93 Woolmer Green Village Hall
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65
86
Baldock
Letchworth Garden City
40
78
80 64
15
Hitchin
19
76
52
74
33
32
82
Buntingford
79
54
36
42
Stevenage
34
6
62
44
57
25
38
83
72
73
56
77
Bishop’s Stortford
93
26
28
20
46
88
24
84
75
90
Sawbridgeworth
4
Ware
Welwyn Garden City
Harpenden
Hertford
60
45
59
16
63
29
47
9
35
51
18
Hatfield
11
8
St Albans
58
91
23
14
7
48
Hemel Hempstead
71
41
30
70 69
13
87
66
61
55
Potters Bar
37
Cheshunt
81
67
2
68
22
39
27
49
3
31
50
21
5
Watford
43
89
17
12
1
85
Rickmansworth
92
53
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Celebration ceremonies We can offer you a celebratory ceremony at any location in Hertfordshire A legal and celebratory ceremony A legal and celebratory ceremony
legal ceremonies such as a village hall or a marquee in your garden at home. You can also have a celebratory ceremony outside in the grounds of your chosen venue. You must complete the legal preliminaries before your legal and celebratory ceremony. For more information on booking a ceremony please contact our administration team on 0300 123 4045.
incorporates both your legal ceremony and celebratory ceremony for marriage or civil partnership. The legal ceremony must be held first at a register office in Hertfordshire. The celebratory ceremony can be held in a place that is not approved for
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A celebratory ceremony If you are already married or in a civil partnership and you wish to have a non-legal ceremony to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership, then you can choose to have one of our celebratory ceremonies. A celebratory ceremony is a non-legal ceremony to celebrate your recent marriage or civil partnership. This option is ideal if you have been married or had a civil partnership ceremony abroad and now wish to celebrate with family and friends who were unable to attend your legal ceremony. The celebratory ceremony can be held in a register office, an approved venue or in a place not approved for legal ceremonies. You will be required to produce your marriage or civil partnership certificate. For more information on booking a ceremony please contact our administration team on 0300 123 4045.
A renewal of vows ceremony
If you wish to renew your marriage or civil partnership vows, for example, to celebrate a special anniversary, then you can choose to have a renewal of vows ceremony. You can have your ceremony in one of our register office ceremony rooms, an approved venue or somewhere else such as a village hall or even your own garden. We have conducted renewal ceremonies in some beautiful places including woodlands, fields and by the riverside. There are many reasons why a couple may choose to renew their commitment to each other. Most obviously a ceremony will be held to celebrate a special anniversary such as the tenth, silver, pearl, ruby or gold. We can create a unique ceremony just for you and offer you the choice to enhance your ceremony with music and readings. For more information on booking any of these ceremonies please contact our administration team on 0300 123 4045.
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Perfect Memories Photography
How to book your ceremony F irst of all, decide where you wish to be married or have your civil partnership ceremony. If this is at a register office, contact us to book the date, time and place. If you choose
you on availability and will be able to book the date for you. You are welcome to book well in advance, even though you will only be able to complete the legal preliminaries within 12 months of the ceremony. If you need to attend a Hertfordshire register office to give notice, you can also book this appointment online at www. hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars. Once the provisional booking has been made with the registration service, you should then go back and confirm with the venue if your ceremony is to be held at one of our approved venues.
an approved venue, check available dates and provisionally book with them before contacting us to book the registrars. Ceremony bookings can be made online via our website www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars. If you prefer, you can call us on 0300 123 4045 and our team can advise
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Legal preliminaries to marriage or civil partnership A notice of marriage / notice of civil partnership is a legal declaration which must be given individually by each of you in person. married or form your civil partnership and have made a provisional booking with the venue and / or local registration service.
can be issued. However, if one or both parties to the marriage / civil partnership is subject to immigration control, this legal wait period may be extended, by the Home Office, to 70 days. Please do ensure that you plan ahead as your marriage or civil partnership cannot take place if the legal preliminaries are not carried out in sufficient time to allow for the marriage or civil partnership schedule to be issued ahead of the ceremony date.
If, after giving notice, you change the ceremony venue or the date is moved beyond 12 months from the date of your appointment, you must give a new notice and pay the fees again. Your notice will be displayed publicly for 28 clear days before your legal paperwork
A notice is venue specific and valid for 12 months from the date the notice is given, so before booking an appointment you need to have decided where and when you would like to get
When and where can you give notice? The requirements are different depending on your nationality • You must book a double notice appointment and
If you both live in Hertfordshire you can book a double appointment and attend together. If one or both of you are a non-EEA national or an EEA citizen without EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status: • You must book a notice appointment in the district where one of you has lived for a minimum of seven clear days before giving notice.
attend together. To book a notice appointment at one of the Hertfordshire register offices book online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars or by telephoning 0300 123 4045.
If you are British, Irish or an EEA citizen with EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status granted or applied for before 30 June 2021: • You must each give your notice of marriage or civil partnership at the register office in the district where you have lived for a minimum of seven clear days before giving notice.
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
What documents do you need to take to your notice appointment?
• If you were born on or after 1 January 1983 we will need to see your full birth certificate, which includes your parents’ details, PLUS either your mother or father’s British birth certificate if your parents were married when you were born. If your parents were unmarried when you were born then only your mother’s birth certificate can be accepted. If your parents were born outside the UK, then you must provide evidence of their British nationality at the time of your birth. • If your parents were born on or after 1 January 1983 we will also need to see evidence of their parents’ nationality.
The documents required are prescribed by law and must be originals. Photocopies or electronic versions are not accepted. You will need to provide evidence of your nationality and you will need to bring a valid passport. If you are British and you do not have a valid passport: • A Citizenship certificate confirming British Citizenship; or • British birth certificates • If you were born prior to 1 January 1983 we will need to see either your full or short birth certificate.
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If you are from the EU, EEA or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement scheme: • In addition to bringing a valid passport to your appointment, if one or both of you are EEA nationals with EUSS status granted or applied for before 30 June 2021 you must obtain a unique code prior to your appointment which will allow the registrar to check and verify your immigration status. The code is valid for a period of 30 days so please ensure that it is valid on the day of your appointment. The code can be obtained by visiting https://www.gov.uk/ view-prove-immigration-status. • Your certificate of application if you made an application to the EU settlement scheme on or before 30 June 2021 and you are waiting for the Home Office to make a decision
If you or your partner are from outside the UK: • In addition to bringing a valid passport to your appointment, if you or your partner are from outside the UK, you will need to bring a passport-sized photo for each of you (even if only one of you is from outside the UK). • If you are from outside the UK you must bring evidence of your immigration status (for example, your visa). Your address: Please bring ONE of the following: • Utility bill dated no more than three months prior to the date of the appointment.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Zoë Cooper Photography
Zoë Cooper Photography
• Bank or building society statement or passbook dated no more than one month prior to the date of the appointment. • Council tax bill dated no more than one year prior to the date of the appointment. • Mortgage statement from the last 12 months. • Current residential tenancy agreement. • Valid UK or Irish driving licence in the name of the person giving notice. • Letter from the owner or proprietor of the address which is the person’s place of residence; proof will be required that the person is the tenant or householder e.g. current tenancy agreement/mortgage statement. This letter must include: • the name, address, date and signature of the owner / proprietor; • confirmation that this person is the owner / proprietor; and • confirmation of the name of the person giving notice and that they have been resident at the address for at least the eight days immediately prior to the notice appointment.
• British birth certificate • Valid Biometric Immigration Document Evidence of any name changes: Evidence of any name change (marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.). Evidence of previous legal relationships: If you have been married or in a civil partnership before, we will need to see: • Decree absolute or final order or dissolution order These should be the original version with the court stamp. If your decree absolute is a digital version with a black stamp, you will need to print this document to bring along to your appointment. We cannot accept PDF scanned versions of your decree absolute. • If your divorce was granted outside England and Wales , we will need to see the final divorce documents issued along with a full translation into English if the document was written in any other language. A fee is chargeable for clearance of any divorces granted in countries outside England and Wales. Please note, these may have to be referred to the General Register Office for the Registrar General to confirm
whether the document is acceptable under British law. It is not possible to issue the legal documents for your ceremony to proceed until your foreign documents have been approved. Please do take this into account when considering a marriage or formation date as there may be a significant delay before a ceremony can take place. • The death certificate of the spouse / civil partner – if the surviving partner is not mentioned on the death certificate then you must also provide a certified copy of the marriage or civil partnership certificate. • The presumed death certificate of the spouse. If none of the above are available, please contact the General Register Office on 0300 123 1837 for guidance. If some of your documents are not in English: If any of your documents are in any language other than English, you will need to bring the original document plus a full translation, into English, certified at the bottom of the document by the translator stating “I certify this to be a true translation of the document”. The name, address, telephone number and signature of the person who translated the document(s) must be included.
Evidence of your age: Please bring one of the following: • A valid passport
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
After giving
notice of marriage or civil partnership Once you have successfully given notice and the following requirements have been met: • the legal waiting period has passed; • any investigations by the Home Office have been carried out (if applicable); and • any foreign divorce documentation has been cleared by the General Register Office (if applicable), Your marriage or civil partnership schedule will be issued, which means that your legal ceremony can take place. The schedule will be printed in the district where your ceremony is taking place and will be retained by the register office if the ceremony is taking place at the register office or an approved venue within that district. For religious ceremonies the schedule can be collected or may be sent to the religious building in advance of the ceremony date.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Planning your
marriage ceremony A s soon as you have completed the legal preliminaries you will be provided with information about planning your ceremony, including the wording choices. In Hertfordshire, we understand how important it is to make sure that you have a ceremony that is very personal to you. You will already have seen how much choice there is on offer when arranging your perfect day and we aim to continue this by making available a ceremony that is tailor-made for you. First of all, you can decide if you would like a very simple ceremony or a very elaborate one or something in between. All the usual options are available to you, such as being ‘given away`, having readings or recorded or live music, exchanging rings and now, in addition, the chance to create a unique ceremony with your own personal touches. For ceremonies at one of our approved venues, weekend ceremonies at a register office, or a celebratory ceremony elsewhere, you will be invited to arrange a planning meeting with us to discuss the details of the ceremony. For weekday ceremonies in one of our register offices, you will be provided with a planning sheet to complete to let us know about all your choices. If you do include any music and readings in your ceremony, the only restriction is religious content which cannot be incorporated into a civil ceremony.
Rafe Abrook Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
On the day A fter all the planning, the moment is almost here, so to ensure your day runs smoothly, here is a guide to what happens and when. Arrival Please ensure you arrive on time so the ceremony can start at the time you have booked, as the registrars will have other ceremonies to attend. Your guests will need to arrive about 30 minutes beforehand to ensure your ceremony starts on time. When planning your journey make allowances for any possible traffic delays, parking or pre- wedding photos. Before the ceremony starts the registrars will need to see each of you either together or separately to privately check through your details and ensure everything is recorded correctly. This is also an opportunity to discuss what you will be saying and answer any last minute questions you may have. The registrars will also explain to the escorts and anyone else involved what they need to do to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. The ceremony Please don’t worry about being nervous or think you will forget the words you have to say. The registrars will guide you through the ceremony and ask you to repeat any words that you have to say.
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your promises to each other and exchange rings if desired. You will then be asked to check all the information recorded on the schedule and then both sign, followed by the witnesses and then the registrars. Photographs and video The registrars will speak to your appointed photographer/videographer and guests as to any restrictions when taking pictures during the ceremony. There will be an opportunity to pose for photographs after you have signed the legal documents. Registration of your marriage The details from your marriage schedule will be entered on the electronic register within seven days. Obtaining your marriage certificates To apply for your marriage certificate please go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars. Your order will be processed within four working days and posted first class. You will not be able to obtain a marriage certificate on the day of your ceremony. Please note, the certificate will have the names that you used to contract your marriage and not your new married name.
Your job is just to relax and enjoy your ceremony.
The ceremony will commence with an introduction by the registrar, followed by the legal declaratory and contractual words which you will be asked to repeat in turn. You will have chosen some words to be said about your commitment to each other and you may have included readings to enhance your ceremony. Finally, you will be able to make
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Planning a civil partnership ceremony
For a civil partnership there is no legal requirement to hold a ‘ceremony’ or to speak aloud any words, however, some couples wish to have a ceremony to celebrate their partnership and we are very happy to help arrange that. If you have decided to have a ceremony we will give you guidance and options; you may include vows to each other, exchange of rings or gifts, music and readings. We will be pleased to help and advise you to create a ceremony that feels right for you both. Your ceremony will be the focal point of a very special day. There are no compulsory words, so you have a wide choice of words you may wish to say. However, it is important to have a structured and formal ceremony as this confirms your commitment to each other in front of your invited guests. After your ceremony the details from the civil partnership schedule will be entered on the
electronic register within seven days. You will not be able to obtain a civil partnership certificate on the day of your ceremony. To apply for your civil partnership certificate please go to www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars. Your order will be processed within four working days and posted first class. Converting a civil partnership to marriage You can convert your same-sex civil partnership into a marriage at any Hertfordshire register office or approved venue. For further information please visit our website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars or call our administration team on 0300 123 4045. There is currently no provision for couples in an opposite-sex civil partnership to convert their civil partnership to a marriage.
Rafe Abrook Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Frequently asked questions I understand that my partner and I must be everything you say, as you will be asked to repeat everything after the registrar,
What do we do about music for our ceremony? You can have live or recorded music. If your ceremony is at a register office, there will be a music system with Bluetooth and a CD player. If your music is on CD, the registrars will play it for you (please make sure it is clearly marked with what you want played). If it is on your own device, one of your guests will need to play the music for you. You cannot have religious music but that leaves you plenty of choice from classical wedding music to popular songs. You will need to check with your approved venue what facilities they will have available to you for your music.
interviewed by the registrar prior to the ceremony but we don’t want to see each other until I walk down the aisle. Can we arrange this? We can conduct the interviews separately, both at the venues and at our offices, so one of you should arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to start and the other 15 minutes before. Ask your guests to arrive 30 minutes early in order to be seated in the ceremony room, then no- one else will see you until you make your entrance. Who can walk me in? You can be escorted by a member of your family, a friend, or you may wish to enter together as a couple, the choice is yours. You may also choose to be accompanied by bridesmaids or flower girls and groomsmen or page boys. Can I arrive fashionably late? Whilst brides are notoriously depicted on television and in films arriving late, this is definitely not the case in reality. Please ensure you arrive on time so the ceremony can start at the time you have booked, as the registrars will have other ceremonies to attend. Make sure you allow enough time to get ready and to cope with any traffic delays and ask your guests to do the same. Then you can have the enjoyable and relaxed ceremony that you have planned. I am very nervous about saying the words – what if I can’t remember them? Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn or try to remember
just a few words at a time. Even if you were to make a mistake they would just say them again for you. The most you will have to say on your own is ‘I do’! What if I get a fit of the giggles? Sometimes our emotions can take us by surprise and both laughter and tears are part of the same emotion. Rest assured, the registrars are very experienced at dealing with both and will help you overcome it by giving you time to compose yourself and carry on. Most couples find themselves so busy concentrating on what the registrar is telling them to do that they sail through the ceremony without any problems! Can we write our own vows? You must repeat the legal words to contract your marriage but you are welcome to make your own promises when you exchange rings or gifts. The registrar will need to approve a copy of these first. As these are your personal promises, it is advisable to have them written on prompt cards rather than repeat them after the registrar. Can we have readings at our ceremony? We have a wide selection of suitable readings in our ceremony brochures. If you wish to choose a reading from elsewhere or to have one especially written for you, the registrar will need to approve it first. Remember, you cannot have a reading with any religious content.
How do we sign the schedule document?
The registrar will ask you to check all the details on the marriage schedule and then sign your ‘usual signature’ using the names that the ceremony was conducted in. Who can we have as our witnesses? You may choose relatives or friends as long as they understand English and understand the nature and purpose of the ceremony. You must have two witnesses. May our guests throw confetti? Please check with your chosen venue as to what restrictions they may have about where confetti can be used. At most of our register offices we are happy for your guests to use biodegradable confetti outside the offices. At St Albans Register Office only natural dried flower petals are allowed and at Hemel Hempstead Register Office confetti is not allowed at all.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
I
f you wish to be married in the Church of England or the Church in Wales, you must contact the vicar. The vicar will arrange for the Banns to be called, or for a common licence to be issued. Un- less one or both of you are subject to immigration control or you are asked by the vicar to contact your register office, we would not normally be involved at this stage. If you wish to be married in a church or building of any other denomination, you will need to give notice of marriage in the district where you live.
Getting married in a church or religious building
Zoë Cooper Photography
• If you are both British, Irish or an EEA citizen with EUSS granted or applied for before 30 June 2021 , you must give your notice in the district where you have lived for a minimum of seven clear days before giving notice. • If one or both of you are non-EEA or EEA nationals without EUSS status then you must book a double appointment in the district where one of you has lived for a minimum of seven clear days before giving notice. If you do not live in the district where the place of worship is located then you must confirm that this is your usual place of worship and have the permission from the incumbent of the church. In the first instance, you should check with the church or place of worship you wish to
marry in to see if they are available for the date you are considering and to confirm what is required, and also if a registrar needs to be booked to attend the ceremony. After your ceremony your marriage document or marriage schedule will be sent to our Registration Certificate Archive to be entered onto the electronic register. You can then apply for your marriage certificates at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars. Your order will be processed within four working days and posted first class. You will not be able to obtain a marriage certificate on the day of your ceremony. Please note, the certificate will have the names that you used to contract your marriage and not your new married names.
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Weddings abroad If you wish to marry abroad, according to the laws of that country, you must find out and follow the regulations set by that country. Some countries have a minimum residency requirement and this time should be built into the overall length of your stay. You will need to produce certain documents; your travel agent or wedding planner will be able to tell you exactly which ones are required. In some cases you will be asked for a certificate of no impediment. This can be obtained by giving notice to your local register office and you must give a minimum of 28 clear days’ notice before the certificate can be issued. Although there is no expiry date printed on these authorities, different countries have their own rules and the certificate may only be valid for a three- month period from the date of giving notice. You will also need to provide the registrar with the name of the town or location where the wedding is to take place, as well as the country.
Changes to your passport
You can apply for a passport in your new name up to three months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony. Your old passport will be cancelled. Your new passport is ‘post-dated’ – you cannot use it before the ceremony. Some countries will not issue visas for post- dated passports – please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Application forms can be obtained from the Post Office or online from https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/passports-for- newly-weds-and-civil-partners. Once your notices have been given, the forms can be filled in by the applicant and the minister of religion or registrar who is to conduct the ceremony. The forms should then be sent to the Passport Office together with the application for a passport or amendment to a passport. The name on your passport must match the one you use when you book your travel. This also applies to vaccination certificates so please ensure they match the names on your passport. Please also remember you will no longer receive your marriage or civil partnership certificate on the day of your ceremony.
Re-registration of your children
If the parents of a child born in England or Wales have entered into a marriage or civil partnership with each other since the birth, it is a legal requirement to re-register the child’s birth. If the child was born elsewhere, the parents should contact the consul for that country to see if re-registration is required. A new birth record will be created showing the child as a child of the parent’s marriage, replacing the original registration, and all future copy birth certificates will be issued from this new record. If you have any children between you, please ask the registrar for further information.
Zoë Cooper Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Zoë Cooper Photography
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www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Changing your name after marriage or civil partnership
Zoë Cooper Photography
Rafe Abrook Photography
• Inland Revenue • Insurance companies (car, medical, property, home contents and life) • Internet services provider • Library • Loyalty cards • Mail order companies • Mortgage provider • Motor insurance and breakdown associations • Opticians • Passport (please see page 29 for details) • Pension provider • Premium bonds • Professional institutes and trade unions • Rental companies • Satellite or cable television company • Savings and investments – ISAs and shares • Sports and social clubs • Store cards • Telephone supplier • Utilities (electricity, gas, water) If you require further copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificate, they can be obtained at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars.
Although there is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage or civil partnership, many people wish to do so. Most organisations are happy to accept a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate in order to change your name, provided that you are changing to your partner’s surname as shown on the certificate. However, if you decide to ‘double-barrel’ your names or merge the two names together some organisations will require a Change of Name Deed. You will need to check with each individual organisation what their requirements are. Hertfordshire Registration Service provide a Change of Name Deed Service. For more information about this please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ registrars. The sort of organisations that you may need to contact are: • Banks and building societies • Benefits Agency (Department for Work and Pensions) • Children’s school or child care provider • Council tax office • Credit card companies • Dentist • Doctor and hospital • Driving licence and vehicle registration DVLA • Employer • Finance and loan companies
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Hitchin Town Hall First opened in 1901, the Grade II-listed Hitchin Town Hall is a prominent local venue in the heart of Hitchin, which has recently benefited from a number of extensive improvements, while retaining its original charm and character. Your ceremony and celebration can take place in any of the three hireable spaces: two Edwardian rooms with original features and one contemporary museum gallery. A range of catering partners are available, from three-course meals to finger buffets, all tailored to meet your specific requirements. Packages are available to make booking your special day even easier.
Brand Street, Hitchin SG5 1JE Tel: 01462 474554 Email: hitchintownhall@north-herts.gov.uk
Web: hitchintownhallevents.com Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes Ceremony Guests up to 250 Accommodation No
Hertford Castle Your wedding, your way…
From a small intimate gathering to a larger formal ceremony, Hertford Castle offers a unique, historic setting in which to exchange your vows and celebrate. Situated within beautiful walled gardens, alongside the tree-lined River Lea, Hertford Castle is a hidden gem, surrounded by picturesque nature. The classic grandeur of the Downshire Suite is the perfect choice for your ceremony; our exclusive hire includes access to the castle grounds for your memorable photographs. Hertford Castle – where history and heritage meet timeless elegance.
Hertford Castle, Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1HR Tel: 01992 552885 Email: weddings@hertfordcastle.co.uk Web: www.hertfordcastle.co.uk Socials: @hertfordcastle Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Yes
Ceremony Guests up to 60 Reception guests up to 100 Accommodation No
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