We would like to extend a warm welcome from everyone here at Worcestershire County Council Registration Service and look forward to helping you make your ceremony just perfect!
civil ceremonies
in worcestershire
Contents Welcome
page 3
page 18-25
Approved Venues
page 4
page 27
Your ceremony in Worcestershire
Reception Venues
page 28
Where to start, Choosing your venue
Merchandise for Sale
page 5
page 29-33
Wedding Related Services
page 6
Ceremony options at a glance...
Approved Venues in Worcestershire
page 7
page 34-37
Personalising your special day
page 38
Enhanced & Bespoke Worcestershire
Other Services
page 8-9
Other celebration ceremonies in Worcestershire
Worcestershire Register Office County Hall, Worcester WR5 2NP
page 10
page 11
01905 768181
Essentials
Tel:
registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk www.worcestershire.gov.uk/registration
Email:
page 12-15
And now for the legal bit…
Visit:
Registration Ceremony Suites in Worcestershire
page 16-17
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Welcome We would like to extend a warm welcome from everyone here at Worcestershire Registration Service and look forward to helping you make your ceremony just perfect! Why hold your celebrations in Worcestershire? We offer more options to personalise your day than anywhere else. Worcestershire sits in the heart of England nestled between the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. It boasts a superb motorway network for easy access across the county and offers a blend of outstanding scenery, together with a wonderful variety of venues and accommodation, with attractions for all the family. The districts of Worcestershire are packed with history. We have amazing landscapes and vistas, such as the Malvern Hills, the Wyre Forest, and the beautiful Vale of Evesham. There are a huge variety of venues licensed for Civil Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies and other celebrations, which range from unique, quirky and bohemian venues, manor houses, grand halls, castles, rustic barns, to National Trust properties and cosy venues by the river. We even have the famous Commandery, the Royalist headquarters for the historic Battle of Worcester in 1651… and lots more to choose from. Whether you are looking for something simple, something lavish or something in between, we are sure you will find it in Worcestershire. Worcestershire is proud to deliver high quality ceremonies with a price to suit everyone. Whether you want small and intimate or something completely different, we offer a whole range of options to suit everyone.
Your celebration is ‘Your Special Day’ and we have a team of dedicated staff who are happy to discuss your needs and to help tailor your celebration to reflect your own personal wishes. Whether you are looking to have your ceremony at a Registration Office or a Approved Venue we are able to deliver a very personal ceremony for you. However you decide to celebrate your special day we will listen to your ideas, combining our professionalism, building on our extensive experience to ensure you have a day to remember. We’re not just about Marriages and Civil Partnerships… Dip into the brochure to discover what else we have to offer. We think you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety and range of celebratory services just for you.
Welcome to Celebrating in Worcestershire…
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Your ceremony in Worcestershire • Marriages • Civil Partnerships
• Enhanced Ceremonies • Bespoke Ceremonies • Celebration Ceremonies • Commitment Ceremonies • Renewal of Vows • Naming Ceremonies
The first decision when planning your special day is to decide where you would like to hold your celebration. This guide will take you through the various locations available either in Registration Offices or Approved Venues. You will also find information on all our services and ceremony options, as well as legal information, hints and tips and planning for your ceremony. Please visit our website www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ registration for details of all our venues and how to make an enquiry. Other services
• Citizenship Ceremonies • Adult Deed Poll Service • Copy Certificates
• Commemorative Certificates • Pre Marriage Passport Forms • Proof of Life for Foreign Pensions Contact details Worcestershire Register Office County Hall Spetchley Road
Worcester WR5 2NP
Telephone: 01905 768181 Email: registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk Visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/registration
The contents of this brochure are correct at time of printing. Please refer to our website www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ registration for the most up to date information.
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Where to start The following pages outline the process to ensure your civil Marriage or Civil Partnership ceremony fulfils all the legal criteria and give you an idea of what will happen on the day. Choosing and booking your venue followed by the Registrars should be your first priorities. We hope you find the following useful and, remember, we are here to help! Choosing your venue Visit our website for the most up to date list and for further information on booking. It is important that you ensure your chosen venue has availability before contacting us to book the Registrars. Booking your registrars Now you have found your venue you need to ensure that the Registrars are available. You are able to book your Registrars up to 3 years in advance which hopefully will help with your planning. We are able to carry out ceremonies on any day of the week, including Bank Holidays. There is no longer a legal restriction to the time of day. Our normal availability is between 9am and 7pm however, if you wish to have your ceremony outside of these hours please contact us. It is essential that you agree the date and time with both the Registration Service and the venue before making any other arrangements.
Fees A list of current fees and other information can be found on our website. A deposit is taken at the time of booking and if booking more than 12 months to date in advance, an advanced booking fee is also required to be paid. The remaining balance of your fee is due three months before the date of your ceremony. To see the full range of ceremony options we offer see page 6 to 9. Giving notice – see Legal Requirements. Change of date, time or location If you need to amend the date/time/location of your ceremony, we may be able to, subject to availability. A new deposit will be levied for any change made to your booking. For more information, please read the terms and conditions on our website at the following link https://www.worcestershire.gov. uk/ceremonies-worcestershire A quick checklist o Choose and ‘reserve’ a venue o Up to three years before – book your Registrar o 6 to 9 months before – give your Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership – see legal requirements o 3 months before – pay remaining fees o 6 weeks before – complete and return our ceremony checklist o On the day – Enjoy Your Special Day!
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Personalising your special day
Once you have given Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership you will be provided with a pack which will include additional information to help you plan your ceremony. We are happy to discuss any aspect of your ceremony, so please feel free to contact us. Everyone is different and we want to provide the perfect day for you. Please remember that any music, readings or vows should be of a non-religious nature. However, there is plenty of choice and it is the readings, poems, special vows and music that make each ceremony unique. On the following pages you will find a range of ceremony options to cover all budgets. There is something to suit everyone, from a simple office to a completely Bespoke ceremony. Gone are the days when there was no choice and you could not personalise your ceremony. Everyone has an idea of how they would like their special day to be, and here in Worcestershire we want to ensure you have a ceremony to remember and perfect just for you. If, after you have made your booking, you need to change the date, time, or cancel your ceremony, please notify the Registration Service immediately in order that we can try and accommodate your requests. Registration staff will be able to advise you of the process. We are here to give you guidance and support throughout and will do everything within our power to make your day happy and memorable. What happens at your civil marriage ceremony? We want you to have a day to remember but, as with most special events there are some things that we need to ensure happens. On the day you must bring two people with you to be witnesses to your Marriage who must be able to understand and speak English. You can choose any relative or friend as long as they are old enough to understand what is taking place. Before the ceremony is due to commence, we will need to check the details taken at the time of the Notice of Marriage. Please refer to your ceremony booklet for details and arrive 30 minutes beforehand for your separate interviews. Please be aware that other ceremonies may be booked around yours, so it is important that you arrive on time to ensure that your ceremony can take place. The ceremony time will vary dependent on the type of ceremony you have chosen so can be up to 45 minutes in duration.
Every marriage will include;
The Registrar will welcome everyone to the ceremony.
Everyone will be reminded of the legal definition of marriage and of the solemn and binding character of the vows you will be making to each other.
You will declare that you are free to marry (a declaration).
You will make a contract with each other (contracting words).
You may exchange rings and make promises.
You and your witnesses will sign the legal Marriage Schedule. There will be an opportunity for photographs – see Photography and Videography section . The above is only a very brief outline of the skeleton of a Marriage ceremony. The options on the following pages will show you how you can enhance or make your ceremony bespoke …… happy planning! What happens at your civil partnership formation? Civil Partnerships are slightly different in that there is no formal ceremony as part of your formation. The law just requires you to sign a Civil Partnership Schedule (legal contract). If however you wish to have a ceremony, we can arrange and discuss this with you. As with Marriage ceremonies you will need to bring two people with you to be witnesses to your Civil Partnership who must be able to understand and speak English. You can choose any relative or friend as long as they are old enough to understand what is taking place. Before the formation is due to commence, we will need to check the details taken at the time of the Notice of Civil Partnership. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the formation is due to commence as we will need to check the details taken at the time of the Notice of Civil Partnership with each party seperately. Should you wish to have a celebration of your Civil Partnership then we can offer a ceremony to celebrate your union as Civil Partners. Use the following pages to provide ideas that will make your ceremony one to remember. There will be an opportunity for photographs – see Photography and Videography section .
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Fully Enhanced and Bespoke Worcestershire Every couple wants their day to be as unique as they are. We have listened to couples and asked them what they want – “We want our day to reflect us, us as a couple”; “We wanted something different”; “We wanted to include all our family in our ceremony”; “The sand ceremony was important to us, as it represented the joining together of two people and will be a lasting reminder of the start of our life together”. Fully enhanced Worcestershire… Worcestershire is unique in that we offer such a range of options to enable you to personalise your legal ceremony. So long as there is no religious or cultural content you can include a number of elements.
The Fully Enhanced option allows for additional readings and music/songs, and more personalisation. Maybe you want to be given away by someone in addition to a loved one – father and grandfather; your brothers on either side of you as you make your entrance – maybe you want to play the saxophone as you make your entrance, with your partner to be responding on a clarinet… anything is possible. In addition to the Classic Ceremony elements, couples can choose to include a Sand Ceremony or a “Joining of these Hands” reading, to name but two. You may have your own ideas about what you would like to include. Perhaps having the “The Lovely Dinosaur” poem read with your best man and bridesmaid taking on the roles of the dinosaurs for the reading? Maybe you would like to have a poem or reading with background music (live or recorded) playing quietly during the reading. Perhaps you like the idea of a non- religious tradition, the options are endless. You might be having a winter ceremony and instead of going outside, you could have your ‘confetti photograph’ inside – subject of course to your venue being amenable to the idea! There are lots and lots of ways you can weave your own unique thoughts and ideas in and around your ceremony; a ceremony that will be completely unique and personal to you and include all the legal elements.
As you start to plan your day did you know that you can create your own ceremony to make it entirely unique? Gone are the days when there was little or no choice with your ceremony. We have a range of options to enable you to enhance and personlise your ceremony; there is no longer a need to have a legal ceremony and then have a separate celebration ceremony because you want to completely personalise your ceremony. You will be surprised at what can be included and how unique you can make it Your Special Day. Worcestershire Registration Service provides Registrars who are knowledgeable, professional and highly skilled. They will make sure that whatever ceremony you are having, it will be not only be within the boundaries of the law, but as unique as you wish. They will work with you to plan, personalise and bring your dreams and wishes into reality; a wedding to remember; a ceremony like no other. A Classic ceremony allows you to include further elements around the statutory requirements of the legal ceremony. Not everyone wants their ceremony completely personalised. Some couples just want to make certain moments unique or include family and friends with readings and music; maybe the inclusion of guests singing or a vocalist; or just a little tweaking of the Classic ceremony.
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Bespoke Worcestershire… Sometimes you just have a yearning to have and do something different… “Your Special Day”. Worcestershire Registration Service can offer a complete Bespoke service to include everything you have always dreamed of to make ‘Your Special Day’ one to remember forever. Maybe you have always wanted to have your ceremony in a special place, at home, in your garden, by a lake, in the woods or anywhere else your dream takes you. Whilst you can currently only have a legal ceremony in a Register Office, Approved Venue or outdoor area within the boundaries of a Approved Venue, you can still make your ceremony – “Your Special Day”. How? There are a number of options. The only stipulation is that your legal ceremony must take place in a licensed room before a Bespoke celebration. After all how can you celebrate something that has not yet happened! Your legal ceremony can take place a week or a few days before, the day before, or on the day itself. The celebration can then take place anywhere and in any style you please… even including any religious, cultural or other elements. If your chosen special place is not already a venue licensed for civil ceremonies we can undertake a risk assessment and advise appropriately. You may need to obtain permission for a “public gathering” or hire the space from the local council
e.g. you would like to hold your Celebration of Marriage in the bandstand in your local park, we can advise on the steps that you would need to take. All our staff are knowledgeable professionals and there is nothing we have not seen or been asked! We have built on years of experience, seen the changing trends, moved with the times and most of all listened to couples in order to be able to offer you such a unique service. We have undertaken Bespoke ceremonies in back gardens, front gardens, at the VW Music Festival, private stately homes, arboretums, railway stations, craft centres, bandstands, on a farm, at glamping sites, in the woods and by a lake… these are to name but a few. Our Bespoke service really is the crème de la crème of ceremonies and celebrations. You can safely be assured that everything from your legal to your celebration ceremony will be in accordance with statutory requirements, whilst still ensuring you have the day you wish for, in the way you wish. Email us at registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk and request our Bespoke service. The team will contact you to take all your details and be able to advise you on “next steps”. Following this we will put you in touch with your dedicated Registrar who will work with you throughout – from discussing your ideas to helping you bring those dreams and ideas to life; from the words used to the structure of your ceremony and beyond… Let the magic begin…
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Other celebration ceremonies in Worcestershire Other celebratory services Whilst the following carry no legal status, they are a wonderful way to celebrate special life events. These ceremonies can take place in almost any location of your choice. It does not have to be in a Registration Office or Approved Venue. Whatever the reason for your celebration, our professional celebrant Registrars can help… Naming ceremony Celebrate and welcome with your family and friends your new baby, step child or celebrate the joining of two families. These ceremonies carry no legal status. There is also no age limit and the ceremony can be for one child or a whole family! Let us help you make this a magical ceremony where everyone can be involved from parents, grandparents, civil parents, guide parents and other family members and friends joining together with special poems or songs. One of our celebrant Registrars will work with you to create a ceremony in almost any location of your choice. You can even include a Sand Ceremony with the children participating. If you are blending families, then this element is a lovely way to include all your children. Renewal of vows This is sometimes referred to as a Reaffirmation of Vows. A ceremony to celebrate perhaps your first anniversary, ten years, silver or golden anniversary… or just because you want to! One of our celebrant Registrars will perform a renewal of vows ceremony in any venue of your choice. It does not need to be an Approved Venue. You can follow the format of a “Marriage ceremony” or enhance your ceremony in any way you wish. This could involve your family and friends, including those who were with you on the “day”, remembering all those moments in life that will make your day forever special. Our celebrant Registrars will discuss all options, listen to your ideas and together will help you make it happen.
Celebration ceremony These ceremonies can be designed to celebrate anything, anywhere! Maybe you had a small wedding ceremony during lockdown and now want a larger celebration or whether you married abroad and wish to celebrate with family and friends in the UK who were unable to join you. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to celebrate anything with family and friends. Commitment ceremony Whatever the reason, you can commit to each other in a ceremony style of your choice. Vows can be written to express your thoughts and feelings about your lives together and your hopes and dreams for the future. Rings can be exchanged. You can even sign a Certificate of Commitment. Call us and discuss with one of our team about the various options possible. “Mix and match” We are increasingly being asked for ceremonies where sisters/ brothers/friends are holding their Marriage or Civil Partnerships on the same day… why not have a double ceremony? We have also seen an increase for adding a “Naming Ceremony” at the end of a Marriage or Civil Partnership – a wonderful way to welcome a new baby or the joining of two families. We specialise in all types of ceremonies. Come and talk to us if you have anything special or different that you would like to do. The following pages will give you more ideas that you may wish to incorporate into your special day. For further information on all our ceremonies and links to our guidance information please visit www.worcestershire.gov. uk/registration
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Essentials Photography and videography
Wedding photographs and videos are special mementoes, and we encourage you to capture the unforgettable moments of your special day. They are the lasting memories that you can keep forever and share with your friends and family. Before your ceremony begins the Registrar will advise you regarding the taking of photographs and the use of video cameras to ensure that the dignity of the occasion is maintained whilst ensuring that you take home wonderful memories of your great occasion. When you have given your Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership you will receive a ceremony pack which includes a guidance note which we encourage couples to forward to the person you have chosen to take your photographs/video. This will make them aware of the boundaries within which we have to work. If you do have any special requests please make a note of these on your checklist. Music If you have chosen music as part of your ceremony please note that, by law, music with a religious context cannot be used in a civil ceremony. If you need inspiration, we have a selection that you can choose from, both classical and modern genres. Please check with your chosen venue as to the music facilities they have in order to ensure that what you provide is compatible. For ceremonies taking place in Registration Offices our staff will advise the format we will require. If you would like live music, a choir, singers or your guests to join you in song, this is possible but only in Approved Venues and not the Registration Offices. We would need to know what music / lyrics are intended and how and who will be performing. For Bespoke Worcestershire ceremonies, religious content is permissible, as a Celebration ceremony does not form part of the legal process. Confetti Traditionally confetti is said to bestow prosperity on the newly joined couple. It is a lovely way to celebrate. Please feel free to use it outside at any of our Registration Offices, but do help us look after the environment by using biodegradable confetti or petals. Approved Venues will have their own arrangements and should be contacted directly for details. Confetti is available to purchase in all our Registration Offices. Lighting and candles We are often asked for subdued lighting or candlelight at ceremonies. Unfortunately, we are unable to have naked flames within our Registration Offices. Approved Venues will have their own arrangements and should be contacted directly for details. Please be aware that the Registrars
attending will need to have a clear, well-lit area whilst conducting and completing the legal documentation. Please note that naked flames will not be allowed on the table that is used by the Registrar. If you require further information, please contact us. Floral arrangements All our Registration Office ceremony rooms have silk floral arrangements in neutral colours. You are welcome to provide your own flowers or floral arrangements, especially if you want them to fit into a particular colour scheme. Floral arrangements in Approved Venues will need to be discussed with the Venue. Decorations There may be the opportunity to personalise the room with your own flowers or decorations. Ask us for further advice. For decorations in Approved Venues couples will need to liaise with the Venue. Please be aware that any decorations must be of non- religious or cultural nature. Themed celebrations If you have chosen a theme for your ceremony etc, please talk to us and we will do our utmost to fit in with your wishes. Our Registrars have been known to enter into the spirit of a themed celebration. We have been asked to wear specific colours, a dinosaur hat, a cloak in keeping with a medieval theme and even Star Wars items! We will always do our best to please, including a DC Comics theme where we had the lovely compliment - “We were so happy that the Registrar was prepared to be our Superhero”. However, please discuss your requirements well in advance.
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A Notice is a signed legal statement that is displayed on the Register Office notice board for 28 clear calendar days (this can be extended to 70 days for foreign nationals). It includes the names, age, marital status, address, occupation, and nationality of the people intending to marry or form a civil partnership. It also states the intended venue for the ceremony. The minimum period between giving Notice and when a ceremony can take place is usually 28 clear days. This is a statutory requirement but in exceptional cases, ie. Illness, a waiver can be applied for to reduce this waiting period. Please contact us for further information The Schedule for Marriage or Civil Partnership will be issued on the 29 th calendar day after giving notice and is valid for 12 months from the date of your formal Notice. Please be aware that you cannot give your Notice more than 12 months in advance of the ceremony date . However, it is a good idea to give your Notices within 6 to 9 months prior to the date of your ceremony. Should you be ill or unable to travel, housebound or staying in hospital, special arrangements can sometimes be made for a ceremony at such places. Please contact the Registration Service for more information. What documents do I need to provide? You will need to provide evidence of your name, age, nationality, marital status, address, and immigration status. If the correct documents, as listed below, are not available at your appointment we will be unable to take your Notice - you will need to make another appointment. Only original documents are accepted, we cannot accept photocopies. However, where proof of address is required a printed copy of an electronic bill or bank statement is acceptable. If your decree absolute/final order/civil partnership dissolution has been sent to you electronically, we will accept a print out with the covering email. We can only accept printed copies of your electronic documents. Copies on mobile phones cannot be accepted. Each person giving Notice must provide one document from each of the sections below. Some documents such as valid passports can be provided as evidence in multiple sections. Name and date of birth • valid passport • British Birth certificate - your full birth certificate must be provided, and you must also provide another document confirming your current use of that name. e.g. valid driving licence (provisional or full) bank statement (no older than one month), utility bills (no older than three months), council tax bill (only this financial year)
And now for the legal bit… Legal requirements Legal civil marriage
The law currently requires two Registrars to be present at your Marriage. One will conduct the ceremony whilst at the same time the other completes the legal paperwork which will formally register the Marriage. Legal civil partnership Civil Partnerships are slightly different in that there is no formal ceremony as part of your formation. The law just requires you to sign a schedule (legal contract). This gives you the perfect opportunity to add a celebration of your union and if you wish, this can be done however and wherever you choose. What is the notice of marriage/civil partnership? By law you must give a Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership, which is a formal declaration of your intention marry or form a civil partnership in England or Wales. Notice must be given in the district where you reside. You are required to have lived in the district for 7 days and 7 nights and on the eighth day you will be able to give your Notice. You need to include the exact name of the venue where you intend to get married or enter into your civil partnership. The Marriage / Civil Partnership can only take place at the venue you name on the notices. If you change the venue you will have to give, and pay for fresh notices. You can provisionally book your ceremony up to three years in advance if it is taking place in Worcestershire.
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• if you have changed your name from birth - you will need to provide the evidence of the name change; for example, a change of name deed or marriage certificate Nationality • valid passport (if you are a foreign national only your passport can be accepted as proof of nationality) • British Naturalisation certificate • British Birth certificate - if you were born before 1 January 1983 your full birth certificate must be provided - if you were born on or after 1 January 1983, your full birth certificate must be provided, and you must also provide a birth certificate or passport for one of your parents, who were born in the UK; if your parents were married at the time of your birth, or your birth has been re-registered after their marriage, then either of your parent’s birth certificates or passports can be provided; otherwise, only your mother’s birth certificate or passport can be used or evidence of your parent’s British Citizenship (must have been issued before your birth) If you are subject to immigration control please read the information below as you will need further documentary evidence. Visa requirements If you are entering the UK for the purpose of a Marriage or Civil Partnership you must check with the UKVI (United Kingdom Visa and Immigration) that you have the correct visa to do so. Worcestershire Registration Service are unable to offer any advice regarding immigration matters. Abuse of immigration laws We are working with the Home Office to identify any Marriages and Civil Partnerships which seek to abuse UK immigration laws. Anybody found to be arranging, facilitating, or entering into a Marriage or Civil Partnership solely to gain permission to stay in the UK risks arrest or prosecution. Foreign nationals may also face deportation and be barred from re-entering the UK for up to 14 years. Proof of immigration status Please note: If either party is a national of an EU country and does not have settled or pre-settled status (or a pending application) applied for prior 30 th June 2021 or is a national of a non-EU country, you may be subject to immigration control. This means you must give your Notices together at the Register Office covering the district in which you have both lived for the preceding 7 days and 7 nights. If you both live in different registration districts you must give your Notices together at either Register Office.
giving Notice, you must provide evidence of your immigration status: • proof of settled, pre-settled or pending EUSS status, including the 9-digit alphanumeric share code from the GOV.UK website: www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration- status • valid Biometric residence permit If you do not have the correct proof, your Marriage or Civil Partnership will be referred to the UKVI who may decide to extend your notice period for 70 days if they wish to investigate further. The Marriage or Civil Partnership cannot take place until approval is granted by the UKVI. More information on this can be found at marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales www.gov.uk/marriages- civil-partnerships. Photographs Both parties will also need to provide a colour photograph at the time of giving Notice, unless you are a British, Irish national or you can provide proof of settled status. Each photograph must be a UK passport style and size and meet the following criteria: • it should clearly show your face with a neutral expression • you must not be wearing any head covering (other than for religious or medical reasons) • you must be photographed alone with no other person or object in shot • it should be unmarked, unaltered and without tears or creases • it must be a recent photo and show a current likeness • valid UK visa/entry clearance in passport • valid Home Office endorsement in passport • valid UK residence permit in passport
Registrars cannot give immigration advice.
In addition to the documents you need to provide when
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Address • valid UK driving licence (full or provisional) showing your current address • utility bill - gas, electric, water, broadband or landline bill dated no more than three months before the date of your appointment. We can only accept printed copies of your electronic bills • bank or building society statement dated no more than one month before the date of your appointment. We can only accept printed copies of your electronic statement • council tax or mortgage statement dated no more than one year before the date of the appointment. We can only accept printed copies of your electronic statement Proof of marital status (if you have been previously married or formed a civil partnership) • divorced in the UK - an original court stamped copy of your decree absolute/final order/civil partnership dissolution. If you have reverted to your maiden name you must provide your marriage certificate. We can only accept printed copies of your electronic decree absolute/final order/civil partnership dissolution with the covering letter/email. • divorced anywhere else - If your divorce was not granted in a UK court, you will be required to pay a fee at the time of your appointment for consideration of the validity of the documentation; this fee does not guarantee that the document will be approved Some divorces/dissolutions can be approved at your Notice appointment for a fee of £50.00*. However, in many cases the documentation will need to be sent off to be considered by the General Register Office for a fee of £75.00**. • former spouse/civil partner has died; you will need to provide a copy of their death certificate; if you are not named as spouse on the death certificate, you will also need to produce your marriage certificate • you must provide a translation of any documents (if not already in English) at the time of giving Notice How much will the notice cost? There are statutory fees for giving Notice which is either £35.00 per person or, if referred to Home Office Immigration, £47.00 per person. * Consideration by a Superintendent Registrar of a divorce/ final order/civil partnership dissolution obtained outside England and Wales - £50.00. ** Consideration by the Registrar General of a divorce/civil partnership dissolution obtained outside England and Wales - £75.00. We are unable to determine which fee will be payable, until you provide the documentation at your appointment. You
must also provide a translation of the document (if applicable) at the time of giving Notice. Marrying or forming a civil partnership in a church If you are planning on a Marriage or a Civil Partnership in a Church (other than the Church of England) at least one of the parties to the marriage must live in the district of the church or it must be their usual place of worship. Ceremonies in places of religious worship For all religious weddings you will need to contact the priest, minister or other religious representative to obtain agreement for your Marriage or Civil Partnership to be conducted in their place of worship. For Marriages in the Church of England, banns should be called during the three months before your marriage. This should be arranged by the vicar. There is generally no need to involve the local Registration Service and Notice of Marriage is not normally required. However if you are a foreign national you may be required by the vicar to give Notice of Marriage at your local Register Office. If this is the case we will also require a letter from the vicar to explain why bands cannot be read. If you are in any doubt, please speak to a member of the Registration Team. For churches of other denominations after making your booking with the priest or minister, you will need to contact the Registration Service to arrange for a Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership to be be given by each party in the district in which you live. Marriage or civil partnership abroad Ask the overseas authority if you need a ‘Certificate of No Impediment’. If you are planning to marry abroad in a commonwealth country we can no longer issue ‘Certificates of No Impediment’. We suggest you check the UK Government website on Marriage and Civil Partnerships abroad for up to date advice and information - www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad. We cannot advise on what documentation is required for a marriage abroad - the onus will be on you to liase with the local authorities in the country where you wish your marriage to take place. The above legal requirements were correct at time of printing. These are subject to change and Registration Services staff will advise at time of booking your appointment. Please also check the www.gov.uk/marriages-civil- partnerships for the up to date legal requirements.
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Registration Ceremony Suites in Worcestershire
Worcester Worcester “The Faithful City” is the home of the Register Office for the County of Worcestershire. It is situated on the eastern side of the city, located at County Hall. It is set in extensive sweeping grounds with a woodland backdrop, providing wonderful photographic opportunities. The modern ceremony room is light, airy and decorated in warm, neutral tones. Following the celebration the couple and their guests can exit from the ceremony room to the specially designed garden. See our website for further information regarding parking, services provided and room capacities.
Bromsgrove The birthplace of A.E. Houseman, Bromsgrove is situated on the north east side of the county. The Registration Office is within easy walking distance of the town centre and situated within the refurbished Parkside School, which we also share with a number of other services and organisations. The ceremony room has been refurbished to keep the integrity of the building and is decorated in soft neutral tones and has a light and airy feel to the room. There is a waiting area next door and following the celebration the couple and their guests can exit from the ceremony room to the beautiful landscaped garden, where photographs can be taken. See our website for further information regarding parking, services provided and room capacities.
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Evesham The Registration Office is situated in the historic town of Evesham within easy walking distance of the town centre. The ceremony room is octagonal in shape, being modern, light and spacious. Because of its shape the venue lends itself to something different, whereby ceremonies can be very intimate or accommodate a larger number. The ceremony room is decorated in warm tones of creams and reds. Following the celebration couples and their guests can use the small courtyard area for photographs. See our website for further information regarding parking, services provided and room capacities. Redditch Redditch provides a modern purpose- built accommodation, decorated in soft neutral tones. The ceremony room has an attractive ceiling window which provides a light and airy room for your special day. After your celebration the party can leave through the rear of the ceremony room to a small courtyard where photographs can be taken in a sheltered paved area with seating and attractive planting. See our website for further information regarding parking, services provided and room capacities.
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Approved Venues
Eckington Manor Hidden away in the countryside, overlooking the Malvern Hills, Eckington Manor is Worcestershire’s best kept secret. The light and airy Grain Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 70 guests. Opening out onto a beautifully designed terrace and garden, it is also the perfect venue for a wedding breakfast or evening celebration.
Available for exclusive use, the 16 luxurious bedrooms provide a boutique experience in a charming rural location.
Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club Set against the picturesque backdrop of the stunning Malvern Hills in the idyllic Worcestershire countryside, the Bank House Hotel, Spa & Golf Club is the perfect venue for your special day. With a range of banqueting suites and packages to choose from, whether you are planning an intimate civil ceremony, a bespoke wedding breakfast, or a lavish celebration, the Bank House will provide you with a unforgettable day that is filled with fun, laughter and happy memories to last a lifetime. Offering a bespoke service, the team at Eckington Manor is passionate about service, fantastic food and making every guest feel special. They would love the opportunity to turn your dream day into perfect reality, no detail is too small. Eckington Manor, Hammock Road, Eckington, Worcestershire WR10 3BJ. Tel: 01386 751600 Email: info@eckingtonmanor.co.uk Web: www.eckingtonmanor.co.uk
Talk to them today about your plans for your dream wedding, and let them make the fairy tale happen for you.
Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club, Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JD. Tel: 01886 833551 Email: weddings@bankhouseworcester.com Web: www.bankhouseworcester.com
Mount Pleasant Hotel Mount Pleasant Hotel is a quintessential Georgian hotel, situated in the heart of beautiful Malvern and surrounded by natural beauty and stunning views of the hills. Overlooking the Malvern Priory and eastwards towards the Vale of Evesham, the hotel makes an idyllic setting for your wedding. Their three elegant function rooms cater for up to 80 guests for civil ceremonies and 100 for wedding receptions. Make lasting memories with their packages, ranging from a civil ceremony package to all inclusive
or bespoke packages, designed from their experience of other happy couple’s requirements.
Your love story begins at the Mount Pleasant Hotel.
Mount Pleasant Hotel, 50, Belle Vue Terrace, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 4PZ Tel: 01684 561837 Email: reception@mountpleasanthotel.co.uk Web: www.mountpleasanthotel.co.uk
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The Guildhall, Worcester Set in the heart of the historic city of Worcester, The Guildhall is a unique and beautiful Grade 1 listed building, which boasts impressive décor and character. It is the perfect setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a large celebration for up to 180 guests, we have a range of rooms which are steeped in history and grandeur and provide the ideal backdrop for your special day. The friendly staff will be able to advise on catering, bar, and entertainment arrangements, which you need to organise, if required. The selection of wedding packages are perfect for every budget. Come and take a look - you’ll be pleased you did! To discuss your requirements further, please contact them on guildhall.events@ worcester.gov.uk or call on 01905 722308. You may also visit the website on www.worcesterguildhall.co.uk.
The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY.
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Council House Set in the heart of Great Malvern, against the stunning backdrop of the Malvern Hills, this unique venue is the perfect location for your wedding, civil partnership ceremony or blessing. Walking through the grand entrance into the historic council house, you can admire the intricate stained glass windows, oak staircase and impressive hallway, ideal for your special day. After your ceremony you will step out of this beautiful building straight into a photographer’s paradise. Enjoy a romantic stroll around the Victorian gardens of Priory Park and marvel at England’s finest scenery.
The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel The hotel considers itself to be one of the area’s premier wedding venues and provides a superb setting, catering for weddings for up to 100 for a sit down meal and with evening functions for up to 120 guests. The flexibility of the banqueting suites means they can accommodate smaller, more intimate celebrations too. They have a civil licence that enables them to hold wedding ceremonies at the hotel in a choice of suites suitable for 10 to 100 guests.
Council House Tel: 01684 862443 Email: weddings@malvernhills.gov.uk Web: www.malvernhills.gov.uk FB: @malverncouncilhouse
The Worcester Whitehouse Hotel, 62 Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1EA. Tel: 01905 24308 Email: enquiries@worcswhitehouse.com Web: www.worcesterwhitehouse.co.uk
Brockencote Hall This beautifully refurbished Victorian Mansion makes a perfect setting for your wedding day. Drive along our grand approach past the Lodge, to the magnificent gardens with scenic lake and lovingly restored Dovecote, they have all you need for endless photographic opportunities. With 21 sumptuous bedrooms, all elegantly decorated with beautiful furnishings and plush fabrics and luxury amenities, you can look forward to a relaxing and comfortable stay. Food is a passion at Brockencote Hall and they pride themselves on offering exemplary service and award winning cuisine. Each couple design the perfect wedding menu to enjoy with their favourite flavours and create lasting memories among loved ones. They can accommodate anything from an intimate ceremony for two, or an informal to lavish ceremony for 100 indoors or the croquet lawn outside if preferred. Brockencote Hall, Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire DY10 4PY. Tel: 01562 777876 Email: events@brockencotehall.com Web: www.brockencotehall.com Twitter: @BrockencoteHall
Room decor by: www.secret-gardenweddingservices.co.uk
The Vale Golf & Country Club Celebrate your special day in a stunning countryside setting. The Vale Golf & Country Club offers panoramic views, luxurious lakeside accommodation, and a modern function room with a private bar and balcony. Enjoy a magical wedding day and make lifelong memories in this beautiful setting. Their aim is to make your planning, budgeting, and decision-making easy. Your wedding plans are individually tailored to suit, culminating in a wonderfully memorable day that is truly your own.
The Vale Golf & Country Club, Hill Furze Road, Bishampton, Nr Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2LZ. Tel: 01386 462781 Email: events@thevalegolf.co.uk Web: www.thevalegolf.co.uk
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Safari Venues at West Midland Safari Park Three amazing venues – one unique location. Safari Venues create simple packages with you in mind. Along with a warm welcome, friendly advice and attention to detail, the bespoke service can provide you with the opportunity to work directly with experienced wedding coordinators and chefs to create your perfect day. With three unique venues, the dedicated team will ensure your wedding is one to remember! Spring Grove House, a beautiful Georgian manor, is the perfect location for an elegant wedding. Set in the grounds of West Midland Safari Park, it has built its well-deserved reputation on impeccable service, luxury menu selections and attention to detail. The venue is available for exclusive use for indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies and reception of up to 120 guests.
has a capacity of up to 115 guests with its own chic bar area and stylish lounge facilities. It is ideal to hire as part of Spring Grove House or separately. For larger wedding celebrations, Treetops Pavilion is another fantastic venue licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. Its vast proportions and capacity of up to 350 guests, makes it one of the largest entertainment facilities in the county. Finish off your wedding celebrations with an overnight stay in a luxury Safari Lodge and wake up to wildlife. Choose from either Elephant, Cheetah, Rhino, Giraffe, Tiger or Lion Lodges or a Red Panda Cottage. Safari Venues, West Midland Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1LF. Tel: 01299 406460 Email: enquires@safarivenues.co.uk Web: www.safarivenues.co.uk FB: www.facebook.com/Safarivenues IG: @safarivenues
Nestled under the grand Spring Grove House is Cellarz – a large, brick-vaulted venue with a completely unique atmosphere. Cellarz
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AE Wedding Photography
Redhouse Barn Multi-Award Winning Countryside Venue and Bespoke Catering for couples who appreciate fine food and service. A beautiful all-year round venue for civil ceremonies from 60 to 160 with both indoor and outdoor facilities, accommodating evening parties from 100 to 200 guests. Set in five acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside, surrounded by romantic gardens, koi ponds and courtyards, this is the quintessentially perfect English wedding venue. The combination of traditional buildings with the latest technology enables the dedicated staff to create a unique experience for every wedding. Redhouse Barn, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4BG. Tel: 07875 142493 Email: info@redhousebarn.co.uk Web: www.redhousebarn.co.uk
The Commandery, Worcester Spend your special day in the stunning setting of The
Commandery. Steeped in history and bursting with character, this Grade I listed building and beautiful gardens have a thousand years of stories to tell, so why not make yours the next one? Whether you envisage a string quartet serenading you from the Minstrel’s Gallery above the historic Great Hall, or an intimate ceremony overlooking the beautiful herb garden, they will help you to plan a memorable occasion for your guests. The experienced team will work with you to ensure that your wedding is tailored to create an unforgettable day, enjoying the wonderful facilities The Commandery has to offer.
The Commandery is located in Worcester City Centre on the main A44 just a few minutes’ walk from the High Street and riverside.
The best way to experience The Commandery’s unique atmosphere is to visit, and they would be delighted to show you around.
Please contact commandery@museumsworcestershire.org.uk or call 01905 361821 to arrange a date.
The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 2HU. Web: www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
The Abbey Hotel Nestled in a beautiful 175 acre estate in the town of Redditch, this award winning 4* hotel in Worcestershire is perfect to plan the wedding of your dreams. With a range of packages available from £85pp your dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator will work with you to ensure it’s your perfect day. The hotel also boasts an 18 hole golf course, swimming pool, gym & spa, a terrace bar and a brasserie restaurant so you and your guests can relax, stay the night and enjoy all the facilities. The Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Darnell End Road, Redditch B98 9BE Tel: 01527 406600 Email: events@theabbeyhotel.co.uk Web: www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk
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