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.
Your Perfect Day in Hertfordshire
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
Daniela K Photography
Contents Welcome to your ceremony in Hertfordshire
What documents do we need to take to our notice appointment?
p. 3
p. 22-23
p. 4
p.25
Your Hertfordshire ceremony
Planning your marriage ceremony
p. 26
Choosing a register office in Hertfordshire
On the day
p. 6
p. 27
Planning a civil partnership ceremony
p. 7-14
The Hertfordshire register offices
p. 28
Frequently asked questions
Choosing an approved venue in Hertfordshire
p. 15
We are getting married in a church or religious building
p. 29
Approved venues and register offices in the county of Hertfordshire
p. 16-17
Weddings abroad / Changes to your passport / Re-registration of your children p. 30
p. 18
Outside ceremonies
Changing your name after marriage or civil partnership
p. 19
p. 31
Celebration ceremonies
p. 20
p. 32-43
How to book your ceremony
Sponsoring venues
p. 44-49
Legal preliminaries to marriage or civil partnership / When and where can we give notice? / After giving notice of marriage or civil partnership p. 21
Local wedding services
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Daniela K Photography
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. As you read through this brochure, we 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 in Hertfordshire. There are eight register offices offering attractive ceremony rooms in Hertfordshire, plus approximately 100 approved venues, so there is plenty of choice to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a small intimate affair 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, please take a look at our website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars.
Daniela K Photography
Daniela K Photography
Daniela K Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
3
Your Hertfordshire ceremony A civil marriage ceremony A civil marriage is a legal marriage solemnized as a civil contract without a religious ceremony. It can be between a man and a woman or by 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. The legal preliminaries must be completed before the marriage can take place. A civil partnership ceremony A civil partnership is a legal relationship which can be registered by two people who are not related to each other.
Civil partnerships are available to both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples. 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. The legal preliminaries must be completed before the civil partnership can take place.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Carla Thomas Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
5
Hertfordshire Register Office, Hatfield
Hertford
Bishop’s Stortford
St. Albans
Cheshunt
Stevenage
Hemel Hempstead
Watford
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 during the week and on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays with ceremonies starting at 9.00am through to 4.30pm.
In order to help you decide which register office you prefer, further details for the individual offices can be found on pages 7-14 or on our website at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars If you wish to visit one of the register offices, 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 20.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Andrew Buckle Photography
Hertfordshire Register Office, Hatfield 19b St Albans Road East Hatfield AL10 0NG hatfield.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk The Garden Room offers a splendid modern setting and leads out to an attractive garden which is an ideal setting for photographs. The maximum number of guests permitted is 50. The Garden Room has a music system which has Bluetooth and a CD player. You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the the ceremony. There is a small statutory register office room for the couple and two guests available on a Tuesday and Thursday morning.
Andrew Buckle Photography
There is ample parking with access for your guests.
For information on how to book either of the ceremony rooms in Hatfield, please see page 20.
Pike Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Hertford Register Office County Hall Hertford SG13 8DE hertford.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk The Oak Room provides a calm and dignified setting for ceremonies. The maximum number of guests permitted is 50. The pretty Millennium Garden by the side of the Oak Room has a paved area suitable for disabled access. The sheltered Cloisters by the main County Hall entrance make the perfect setting for photographs whatever the weather. The Oak Room has a music system which has Bluetooth and CD player. You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony. There is ample parking for your guests at weekends but it is restricted during the working week.
Andrew Buckle Photography
There are several public car parks a short walk away within Hertford town centre.
For information on how to book the ceremony room in Hertford, please see page 20.
Helen Weir Photography
Andrew Buckle Photography
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bishop’s Stortford Register Office
Riverside House 2 Hockerill Street Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2DL bstortford.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk 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 (pictured above) is upstairs and provides the perfect setting for your ceremony.
The Georgian Room is smaller and more intimate and is downstairs with good disabled access.
The maximum number of guests permitted for the Tudor room is 50 and for the Georgian room 12 guests. The riverside and Castle Gardens opposite the building are ideal locations for photographs after the ceremony.
Andrew Buckle Photography
The ceremony rooms have a music system which has Bluetooth and a CD player.
You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony.
There is parking for two wedding cars. Parking for your guests 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 20.
Andrew Buckle Photography
Andrew Buckle Photography
Bells Wedding Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Helen Weir Photography
Cheshunt Register Office Bishop’s College Churchgate Cheshunt EN8 9XH cheshunt.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk The beautifully appointed Octagonal Suite (pictured left) 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 stylishly furnished with pale green carpet and chairs and 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 garden and trees. All of this, together with the attractive buildings and ornate stone arches, offer excellent opportunities for photographs. The ceremony rooms have a music system which has Bluetooth and a CD player. You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony. There is a pay and display car park at the front of the building and limited on street parking. There is disabled access.
Andrew Buckle Photography
For information on how to book the ceremony room in Cheshunt, please see page 20.
Andrew Buckle Photography
Andrew Buckle Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Andrew Buckle Photography
Hemel Hempstead Register Office The Forum, Marlowes Hemel Hempstead HP1 1DN hemelhempstead.registrars@ hertfordshire.gov.uk
The Hemel Hempstead Register Office is located on the first floor of the Forum, part of Dacorum Borough Council’s new 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 (pictured above) is very modern and light and has air conditioning. The maximum number of guests permitted is 40. The ceremony room has a Bluetooth and a CD player music system. If your preference is for live music there is sufficient room for this to be accommodated.
Andrew Buckle Photography
There are lifts and good disabled access.
You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony.
There are several public car parks within easy walking distance.
There is a small statutory register office room For the couple and two guests available on a Wednesday morning.
For information on how to book the ceremony rooms in Hemel Hempstead please see page 20.
Gadebridge Park
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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St. Albans Register Office
The Gatehouse 1 Victoria Square Victoria Street St Albans AL1 3TF stalbans.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk 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 furnished with bespoke furniture 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 a CD player and a Bluetooth speaker available for music. Live music can also be accommodated and your photographer or videographer can be present during the ceremony. 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. There is disabled access.
Andrew Buckle Photography
Unfortunately confetti cannot be thrown in the grounds of The Gatehouse.
For information on how to book the ceremony room in St Albans please see page 20.
Andrew Buckle Photography
Helen Weir Photography
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Stevenage Register Office Danesgate House Danesgate, Stevenage SG1 1WW stevenage.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk Danesgate House offers a contemporary setting for your special day, centrally located in the new town. The ceremony room is modern and light and has air conditioning. The maximum number of guests permitted is 40. There is also an opportunity for photographs to be taken in the new courtyard garden and under the Gazebo, which is also licensed for ceremonies during the summer months. There is a small statutory register office room for the couple and two guests available on a Wednesday morning.
Andrew Buckle Photography
The ceremony room has a music system which has Bluetooth and a CD player.
You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony.
For information on how to book the ceremony room in Stevenage, please see page 20.
Andrew Buckle Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Andrew Buckle Photography
Andrew Buckle Photography
Andrew Buckle Photography
Watford Register Office 31 Hempstead Road Watford WD17 3EY watford.registrars@hertfordshire.gov.uk 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.
Both inside and out, The Orangery is a beautiful place which will ensure that you will have wonderful photographs of your special day.
The ceremony room has a music system which has Bluetooth and a CD player.
You are welcome to have your photographer or videographer present during the ceremony.
Car parking is available for your guests with disabled access.
There is a small statutory register office room for the couple and two guests available on a Monday morning.
The maximum number of guests permitted for the Orangery is 30.
For information on how to book the ceremony room in Watford, please see page 20.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Helen Weir 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.
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays with ceremonies starting at 9.00am through to 4.30pm. It is also possible to have a later ceremony at an approved venue. Please check with our administration team 0300 123 4045 if you require an evening ceremony.
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.
Helen Weir Photography
Information on how to make a booking for an approved venue can be found on page 20.
Registrars are able to attend ceremonies at approved venues during the week and on
Helen Weir Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Approved venues in the county of Hertfordshire
Aldenham Golf & Country Club
01923 853929 01923 851668 01582 760112 020 8953 3415 01462 434593 01727 859313 01442 841027 01582 792105 07506 662430 01442 862288 01442 349955 020 8159 8159 01992 633375 01442 230770 01992 511258 01462 480111 01707 368700 0207 118 1717 01462 482929 01438 212800 01992 926700 020 8214 9988 020 8440 3361 01707 260360 01920 460511 01279 843558 01923 807807 01279 843333 01992 552885 01992 466666 07803 339045 01462 547475 01462 474554 01442 206200 01582 449988 01438 722727 01707 385515 01438 779954 01923 277708 01438 779955 01438 813825 01923 218553 01442 952444 07980 858575 020 8327 4703 01763 272222
Manor of Groves Hotel Marriott Hanbury Manor
01279 600777 01920 487722 01707 275701 01462 683747 01727 854252 01923 243947 01923 778898 01707 276900 01438 986077 01923 721665 01462 341399 01707 629777 01438 346100 01462 768787 01707 287003 01442 891891 01992 504331 01438 748647 01920 460316 01707 876191 01582 489069 01582 938500 01462 678804 01763 284067 01442 232220 01923 859022 020 8441 7649 01727 864477 01727 864511 01727 864444 01438 871218 01438 363201 01438 880223 01462 436411 01438 717793 01763 273530 01462 678059 01438 729500 01707 336007 01923 721510 01763 848328 01707 650502 01462 410843 01920 469290 020 3841 9890 03707 776132
1
47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92
Aldenham School
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Aldwickbury Park Golf Club
Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel Mercure St Albans Noke Hotel
Allum Manor
Almshoe Bury Farm Ardmore House Hotel
Metropolitan Police Bushey Sports Club
Ashridge
Micklefield Hall
Aubrey Park Hotel Barley Town House
Mill Green Golf Club Milling Barn (The) Moor Park Golf Club Needham House Hotel North Mymms Park Novotel Stevenage
Berkhamsted Town Hall
10
Best Western Watermill Hotel
11
Bhageecha
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46
Birch
Boxmoor Lodge Hotel Brickendon Grange
Offley Place
Old Palace & Riding School
Broadway Hotel
Pendley Manor Hotel
Brocket Hall
Place House Hall
Bushey Country Club
Priory, Little Wymondley
Chesfield Downs Golf Club Coltsfoot Country Retreat Delta by Marriott Cheshunt
Priory, Ware
Ponsbourne Park Hotel
Putteridge Bury
Double Tree by Hilton London Elstree
Rothamsted Manor Sadie Centre (The) Sandon Manor Shendish Manor
Dyrham Park Country Club Essendon Country Club
Fanhams Hall
Great Hadham Country Club
Shenley Park
Grove (The)
Shire London (The)
Henry Moore Foundation
Sopwell House Hotel & Country Club
Hertford Castle
St Albans Museum & Gallery
Hertfordshire Golf And Country Club
St Michael’s Manor St Paul’s Walden Bury
High Elms Manor
Hitchin Priory
Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre Stevenage Golf & Conference Centre
Hitchin Town Hall
Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead
Sun Hotel
Holiday Inn Luton South Holiday Inn Stevenage Homestead Court Hotel
Tewin Bury Farm The Barn at Alswick
The Cloisters
Hotel Cromwell Hunton Park Hotel
The Farmhouse At Redcoats
The View
Ibis Hotel (The Forum)
The Waterside
Knebworth Park
The Woodman Inn
Langley Banqueting & Conference Suites Little Hay Golf Complex Lodge Farm House Manor Elstree (The)
The Woodman Inn Lodge & Restaurant
Three Horseshoes
Three Lakes Restaurant
Village Hotel
Manor House
Woolmer Green Village Hall
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bells Wedding Photography
Register Offices Bishop’s Stortford Cheshunt Hatfi eld Hemel Hempstead Hertford St Albans Stevenage Watford
9
70
Baldock
87
83
89
Letchworth Garden City
50
16
33
82
69
Hitchin
55
80
19
32
Buntingford
84 57
64
60
5
Stevenage
46
67
36
78
42
40
38
59
79
92
41
Bishop’s Stortford
77
90
26
20
28
35
48
25
81
Sawbridgeworth
3
Ware
Welwyn Garden City
63
Harpenden
47
65
Hertford
17
68
62
37
7
85
29
54
8
6
St Albans Hatfield
10
61
49
24
11
Hemel Hempstead
75 76 74
30
15
14 43
71
51
66
58 88
34
21
Potters Bar
39
13
Cheshunt
72
1 2
31
22 23 73
27 42
53
4
18
Watford
45
56
52 91
12
86
Rickmansworth
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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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 structures 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. Since April 2022, legal marriage and civil partnership ceremonies are able to take place in an approved outdoor space of one of our venues. These changes apply only to approved venues and cannot be applied to 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 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.
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Daniela K Photography
Celebration Ceremonies We can offer you a celebratory ceremony at any location in Hertfordshire. Have a simple legal ceremony at any of our register offices and then celebrate your marriage or civil partnership in a venue or outside location of your choice.
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.
A legal and celebratory ceremony A legal and celebratory ceremony
incorporates both your legal ceremony and celebratory ceremony for marriage or civil partnership. The legal ceremony must be held first in any register office in Hertfordshire. The celebratory ceremony can be held in a place that is not approved for 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. A celebratory ceremony If you are already married or been through 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
Daniela K Photography
Helen Weir Photography Daniela K Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Helen Weir Photography
How to book your ceremony First 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 an approved venue check available dates and provisionally book with them before contacting us to book the registrars. Telephone our central number on 0300 123 4045 where a team dedicated to making bookings will advise 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 either or both of you are subject to immigration control please call 0300 123 4045 for advice regarding booking. We will then send you a ceremony booking form advising of the timescale within which you must give your legal notice of intention of marriage or civil partnership (please see pages 21 to 23 for details on how to do this). If you need to attend a Hertfordshire office to give notice, you can book this appointment online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk or by telephoning 0300 123 4045. 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.
Helen Weir Photography
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bells Wedding Photography
Bells Wedding Photography
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. 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 married or form your civil partnership and have made a provisional booking with the venue and / or local registration service. 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 must be displayed publicly for 28 clear days before your legal paperwork 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. When and where can we give notice? The requirements are different depending on your nationality. 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.
• 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:
One of you must have lived in Hertfordshire for a minimum of seven clear days before giving notice.
You must book a double notice appointment and attend together.
To book a notice appointment at one of the Hertfordshire Register Offices book online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk or by telephoning 0300 123 4045 The current statutory fee for notices is £35.00 each or £47.00 each if one or both parties are subject to the Home office referral and investigation scheme. After giving notice of marriage or civil partnership Once you have successfully given notice and: • the legal wait period has passed; • any investigations by the Home Office have been carried out (if applicable); • any foreign divorce documentation has been cleared by the General Register Office (if applicable).
Then 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 will be sent to the religious building in advance of the ceremony date.
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Bells Wedding Photography
Bells Wedding Photography
What documents do you need to take to your notice appointment? The documents required are prescribed by law and must be originals. Photocopies or electronic versions are not accepted.
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
You will need to provide evidence of:
Your nationality: 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. • 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 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 parent’s nationality.
Bells Wedding Photography
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. • Bank or building society statement or passbook dated no more than one month prior to the date of the appointment.
Pike Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bells Wedding Photography
Pike Photography
• 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. Evidence of your age: If either of you are under the age of 18 we will need to see proof that your parents, or guardians, agree to the marriage. If your parents are divorced we may also need to see the court order that gives custody to one of them. Evidence of any name changes: Evidence of any name change (marriage certificate; deed poll etc). If you are divorced or widowed: If you have been married or in a civil partnership before, we will need to see: • Decree absolute • Your decree absolute 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.
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Helen Weir Photography
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bells Wedding Photography
Planning your marriage ceremony As soon as you have completed the legal preliminaries you will be provided with information about planning your ceremony and the wording choices for your ceremony.
For 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 or readings in your ceremony, the only restriction is religious content which cannot be incorporated into a civil ceremony.
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 or a celebratory ceremony elsewhere, you will be invited to arrange a planning meeting with us to discuss the details of the ceremony.
Bells Wedding Photography
Bells Wedding Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Helen Weir Photography
On the day After all the planning the moment is almost here, so to ensure your day runs smoothly this is 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.
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 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 in the ceremony 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 7 days. Obtaining your Marriage certificates To apply for your marriage certificate please go to www. hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars. The fee for certificates is £11.00 each. 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.
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
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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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Pike Photography
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.
details from the civil partnership schedule will entered on the electronic register within 7 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. The certificates are £11.00 each. 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.
Daniela K Photography
We can help and advise you on putting your ceremony together. After your ceremony the
Pike Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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Helen Weir Photography
Helen Weir Photography
Frequently asked questions I understand that my partner and I must be 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? If you wish to be escorted by a member of your family, a friend or you wish to enter together as a couple, the choice is yours. You may also choose to be accompanied by bridesmaids or flowergirls 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 everything you say, as you will be asked to repeat everything after the Registrar, 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 may not have a reading with any religious content. What do we do about music for our ceremony? You can have live or recorded music. If it 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. There is a Bluetooth speaker available for use. You may not 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. 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 Hemel Hempstead Register Office, the Forum only natural flower petals are allowed and at St Albans Register Office, the Gatehouse confetti is not allowed at all.
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
Bells Wedding Photography
We are getting married in a church or religious building If 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. Unless 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 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. Marriage certificates are £11.00 each. 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.
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. • 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.
Bells Wedding Photography
Bells Wedding Photography
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/registrars
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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 here 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.
Daniela K Photography
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 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 up to 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 3 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.
Daniela K Photography
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.
Helen Weir Photography
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Your ceremony in Hertfordshire
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