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
Approved Venues
page 20-27
Your ceremony in Worcestershire page 4
Merchandise for sale
page 28
Where to start,
page 5
Wedding-related services
page 30-33
Choosing your venue
List of Registration ceremony suites
page 34
Ceremony options at a glance...
page 6
Personalising your special day
page 7
List of Approved Venues
page 34-37
Fully Enhanced and Bespoke
page 8-9
Other services
page 38
Worcestershire
Other celebration ceremonies
page 10
Worcester Registration Service, The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester WR1 3PD 01905 768181 Email: registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk Visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ceremonies Tel:
in Worcestershire
Essentials
page 11
And now for the legal bit…
page 12-15
Registration Offices in Worcestershire
page 16-19
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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. Worcestershire is 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. Our venues range from unique, quirky and bohemian, 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 at a price to suit everyone. Whether you want small and intimate or something completely different, we offer a whole range of options. 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 an 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 and combine our professionalism with 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 • Fully 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. We are delighted to announce that our new booking system will allow you to make your own ceremony bookings. This means that when you are viewing a venue you can check the availability and book the registrars to attend at the same time as booking the venue. If you cannot find the date and time you require or have a special request that you would like to discuss with us, please send us an enquiry from our Ceremonies website. We are here to help. Other services
• Commemorative Certificates • Pre Marriage Passport Forms Contact details Worcestershire Register Office The Hive Sawmill Walk The Butts Worcester WR1 3PD
Telephone: 01905 768181 Email: registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk Visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ceremonies
The contents of this brochure are correct at time of printing. Please refer to our website www.worcestershire. gov.uk/ceremonies 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 booking your ceremony. 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 three years in advance which hopefully will help with your planning. Our online booking system will allow you to input the date, time and venue of your choice to check availability and to book your ceremony. We are able to carry out ceremonies on any day of the week, including bank holidays. 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 ceremonies website: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ ceremonies. A deposit is taken at the time of booking and, if booking more than 12 months 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. You will receive reminders when your fees are due to be paid and when your ceremony options need to be completed. To see the full range of ceremony options we offer, see page 6–10. 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: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ ceremonies. A quick checklist o Choose and ‘reserve’ a venue o Up to three years before – book your Registrars online o 6–9 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 your ceremony options online o On the day – Enjoy Your Special Day!
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Ceremony options at a glance... Statutory Ceremony – Register Office Only
Choice of Declaratory Words Choice of Promises Choice of Contracting Words Choice of Ring Vows
No music Maximum of six people only to include: Two x Registrars The Couple Two x Witnesses
Classic Ceremony – Registration Ceremony Suites and Approved Venues
All of the Statutory ceremony elements plus the following:
Your choice of music* for the: • Seating of guests • Entrance • Signing the Schedule • Exit Plus two extra songs/music*/guests singing/choir/vocalist etc
Option for giving away bride/groom Choice of ring vows or personalised ring vows Up to three readings
* Recorded music only in Registration Offices. Combination of recorded and/or live music in Approved Venues
Fully Enhanced Ceremony – Registration Ceremony Suites (Saturday only) and Approved Venues
All of the Classic ceremony elements plus the following:
Inclusion of: Sand Ceremony or ‘ Joining of these Hands’ reading Liaison with Registrar Complete personalisation of ceremony around the legal elements
Option to add additional vows and your own unique promises to each other Up to four readings
* Recorded music only in Registration Offices. Combination of recorded and/or live music in Approved Venues
Bespoke Ceremonies – Legal + Celebration of Marriage
The legal ceremony to be held at a Registration Office or Approved Venue – see our website for all Approved Venue details. A legal ceremony has to take place before a Bespoke Celebration ceremony can be held. This can be either at the Approved Venue or a small, no fuss legal ceremony at a Register Office. The Bespoke Celebration can be at the same venue or, alternatively, with the inclusion of a risk assessment, in a setting of your choice (subject to any necessary permissions).
The choice and options are endless and this is a truly personalised service.
Please email the Registration Service to arrange an appointment to talk about your options further at registeroffice@worcestershire.gov.uk
Fees – please see our website for further details: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ceremonies
Dogs and other animals – Permitted at Approved Venues subject to the permission of the venue and Registration Service. Please note: Animals are not allowed at Registration Offices except for assistance dogs.
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Personalising your special day
Once you have given Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership you will be sent a ceremony 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 for your legal ceremony 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. In this brochure and online you will find a range of ceremony options to cover all budgets. There is something to suit everyone, from a simple Register 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 to ensure your day is 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 happen. 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 arrive 30 minutes beforehand for your separate interviews and 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, your witnesses and the two Registrars 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 a Marriage ceremony. The options on page six and 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 to Civil Marriages in that there is no requirement to have a formal ceremony. 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 no later than 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 separately. 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 in our Fully Enhanced ceremonies and how unique you can make your special day with our Bespoke service. Worcestershire Registration Service provides Registrars who are knowledgeable, professional and highly skilled. They will make sure that whatever ceremony you are having, it will 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 Fully Enhanced 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 dreams takes you. Whilst you can currently only have a legal ceremony in a Register Office, Approved Venue or outdoor area within the boundaries of an 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 venue before your 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. For example you may wish to include hand fasting or jump over a broomstick. 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. if 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, 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 is designed to give your ceremony or celebration a truly personal touch. You can feel completely at ease knowing that every part of your journey — from the legal requirements to the ceremony itself — is handled with care and in full accordance with statutory guidelines. All the while, we make sure your day reflects your wishes, your style, and the experience you’ve been dreaming of. 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 ceremony suite 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 the joining of two families. 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 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 or gifts 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. This brochure and our website 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/ceremonies.
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Essentials Photography and videography
Wedding photographs and videos will capture your special day. They are the lasting memories that you can keep forever and share with your friends and family 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 that includes a guidance note, which we encourage you to forward to the person you have chosen to take your photographs/video. If you do have any special requests, please make a note when completing your ceremony options question set. 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 ceremony suites our staff will advise the format we will require. We have Bluetooth and CD players in most Registration ceremony suites. 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 ceremony suites. 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 Ceremony Suites, 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. Natural 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 ceremony suites. Venues will have their own arrangements and should be contacted directly for details. If you require further information, please contact us.
Floral arrangements Most 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, country and western theme, a flight attendant hat for two pilots who were marrying, 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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And now for the legal bit… Legal requirements Legal Civil Marriage
are required to have lived in the district for seven days and seven 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, new Notices. A Notice is a signed legal statement that is displayed on the Register Office notice board for 28 clear calendar days (this may be extended to 70 days for foreign nationals who are subject to immigration law). It includes the names, age, marital status, addresses, occupations, 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, i.e, 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 6–9 months prior to the date of your ceremony.
The law currently requires two Registrars to be present at your Marriage. One will conduct the ceremony whilst the other completes the legal paperwork which will formally register the Marriage. You will also be required to bring two witnesses who must be able to understand and speak English and old enough to understand the legal role of a witness. Legal Civil Partnership Civil Partnerships are slightly different in that there is no formal ceremony as part of your formation. You will also be required to bring two witnesses who must be able to understand and speak English. 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 to marry or form a Civil Partnership in England or Wales. Notice must be given in the district where you reside. You
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Please note that Worcestershire Registration Service charges a booking fee when you book your Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership appointment. When you arrive for your appointment with all the correct paperwork to enable us to take your Notices, the booking fee will be transferred so no further fee will be payable for your Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership. Should you be terminally 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 You will need to provide evidence of your name, age, nationality, marital status, address, and immigration status. If the correct documents are not available at your appointment we will be unable to take your Notice – you will need to make another appointment and pay a further booking fee. Please check carefully the documents you need to bring to your appointment. Registration service for more information. What documents do I need to provide? A full list of acceptable documents can be found on the GOV.UK website: Marriages and Civil Partnerships in England and Wales: Documents you’ll need to give notice. 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 UKVI (United Kingdom Visa and Immigration) that you have the correct visas to do so. Worcestershire Registration Service is 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 to 1 st July 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.
Registrars cannot give immigration advice.
In addition to the documents you need to provide when 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 If you do not have the correct proof, your Marriage or Civil Partnership will be referred to 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 UKVI. More information on this can be found on the GOV.UK website for Marriages and Civil Partnerships in England and Wales: www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships.
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Still Light Photography - www.stilllightphotography.co.uk
Photographs Both parties, where one or both are subject to immigration, will also need to provide a colour photograph at the time of giving Notice, unless you are a British national, 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 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 and we cannot accept mobile phone 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/partnership dissolved 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 original Marriage/ Civil Partnership 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. Divorces/dissolutions which can be approved at your Notice appointment incur a fee of £55.00. However, in many cases the documentation will need to be sent off to be considered by the General Register Office and incur a fee of £83.00 • former spouse/civil partner has died: you will need to provide a original copy of their death certificate; if you are not named as spouse/civil partner on the death certificate, you will also need to produce your original Marriage or Civil Partnership certificate • you must provide a translation of any documents (if not already in English) at the time of giving Notice
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How much will the Notice cost? The current list of fees can be found on our website www. worcestershire.gov.uk/ceremonies/legal-requirements. 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 parish 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 and subject to the Immigration Act 2014 the vicar will require you 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 banns 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 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 liaise 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 the time of booking your appointment. Please also check the website: www.gov.uk/marriages- civil-partnerships for the up to date legal requirements.
Joel Davies Photography
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Registration Offices in Worcestershire
Worcester Worcester, ‘The Faithful City’ is the home of the Register Office for the County of Worcestershire. It is situated within the Hive with plenty of paid parking nearby in public and private car parks. The Hive is the landmark Worcester Library within a short walking distance of the River Severn. The Glass Room at The Hive is a modern light room decorated in warm neutral tones. Following the ceremony, couples can exit onto a covered walkway leading to a number of photographic opportunities with nature meeting industry. For more images please visit The Hive website: www.thehiveworcester.org.
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Bromsgrove The birthplace of A.E. Housman, 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 or take the short walk to the beautiful Abbey Gardens near the river Avon. See our website for further information regarding parking, services provided, and room capacities.
Still Light Photography - www.stilllightphotography.co.uk
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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.
Joel Davies Photography
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Approved Venues
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 and 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 an unforgettable day that is filled with fun, laughter and happy memories to last a lifetime.
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
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.
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
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Weddings at West Midlands Safari Park Tucked away in the picturesque hills of Worcestershire, West Midlands Safari Park offers three unique venues that promise to make your wedding celebration a dream come true. Spring Grove House A beautiful Georgian manor, Spring Grove House is the perfect location for an elegant wedding. Renowned for impeccable service, tasty menu selections, and attention to detail, it is available for exclusive use for indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies and receptions of up to 120 guests. Cellarz Beneath the grandeur of Spring Grove House lies Cellarz, an intimate, brick-vaulted venue filled with character and ambience. With a chic bar area and stylish lounge facilities, the venue is perfect for your wedding ceremony, licensed for civil ceremonies with a capacity of up to 40 guests. It’s also ideal for your evening party or as a stand-alone venue, accommodating up to 115 guests. Treetops Pavilion For larger wedding celebrations, Treetops Pavilion offers a fantastic venue licensed for civil wedding ceremonies. With its
vast proportions and capacity of up to 320 guests, it stands as one of the largest entertainment facilities in the county. Photography Opportunities Capture the magic of your special day with breathtaking photo opportunities. Pose on the expansive lawns with the majestic Spring Grove House as your backdrop or create whimsical memories on the traditional carousel in the Theme Park. Safari Lodges Stay End your unforgettable day with a night in a luxury Safari Lodge. Imagine waking up to the sights and sounds of some of the world’s most critically endangered animals right outside your window. At West Midlands Safari Park, their dedicated wedding team will provide a warm welcome, expert guidance, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that your wedding day is as magical and memorable as you’ve always dreamed. Safari Venues, West Midlands Safari Park, Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 1LF Tel: 01299 406460 Web: www.wmsp.co.uk
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The Dodford Inn An idyllic countryside wedding venue in Worcestershire.
The Pump Rooms Situated in the idyllic market town of Tenbury Wells, this Grade II*-listed, high Gothic building is a totally unique place to say your vows. Built in 1862 to promote the town as a spa resort, The Pump Rooms provides an elegant setting with its high arched and beamed hall which can accommodate up to 50 guests. The building is a stunning backdrop for photographs, both inside and out, with its decorative Victorian brickwork and inimitable style. The Pump Rooms, Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8BA Tel: 01584 810118 Email: clerk@tenburytowncouncil.gov.uk Web: www.tenburytowncouncil.gov.uk
Set within six acres of breathtaking Worcestershire countryside, The Dodford Inn provides a truly beautiful setting for your wedding day. Surrounded by panoramic woodland views, a naturally lit barn-style hall, and immaculately manicured gardens, the venue offers a timeless backdrop for unforgettable moments year round. With a variety of fully customisable all-inclusive wedding packages and luxurious on-site accommodation for the bride and groom plus four additional guests. Every detail is carefully considered allowing you to focus on celebrating your day, your way.
The Dodford Inn, Whinfield Road, Bromsgrove B61 9BG Tel: 01527 835825 Email: hello@thedodfordinn.co.uk Web: www.thedodfordinn.co.uk IG: @thedodfordinn
Severn Valley Railway Celebrate your wedding at the Severn Valley Railway, a picturesque unique venue in the heart of Worcestershire. Against a stunning backdrop of beautifully-restored steam locomotives, vintage carriages and lovingly tended period stations, they’ll help you make memories to treasure.
The team will help you build a package that’s tailored just for you, full of joy, excitement and romance, to make memories that last a lifetime.
Tel: 01562 757 900 Email: weddings@svrlive.com Web: svr.co.uk
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Diglis House Hotel Charming Georgian Riverside Wedding Venue in Worcester Set on the banks of the River Severn, Diglis House Hotel is a chic and picturesque Grade II-listed Georgian wedding venue, offering historic charm and a truly distinctive riverside setting in the heart of Worcester. Surrounded by private gardens and water views, it provides a romantic backdrop for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, Diglis House offers elegant banqueting suites accommodating up to 150 guests, making it perfect for everything from smaller, intimate weddings to full- day celebrations with family and friends. Couples can choose from a range of tailored wedding packages, including ceremony, reception packages and complete day-to- evening celebrations, all designed to suit individual styles and budgets. Whether you’re planning an elegant formal affair or a relaxed countryside-meets-city wedding, their experienced team will help bring your vision to life. With stylish accommodation, exceptional food and wine, and wonderfully attentive service, Diglis House truly lives up to its reputation as a “Country House Hotel in the City” — an idyllic and unforgettable setting for your wedding ceremony and reception in Worcester. Severn Street, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 2NF Tel: 01905 353518 Email: events@diglishousehotel.co.uk Web: www.diglishousehotel.co.uk
The Angel Hotel The Banking Hall is part of The Angel Inn Hotel in Pershore which recently received 5-star inn status from AA Hospitality Services. This historical wedding venue sits at the heart of Worcestershire’s Georgian Gem town. The former bank has been transformed into a contemporary space that celebrates its heritage. All facilities are new as of 2022. The Banking Hall provides a large, open-plan space for up to 120 guests. Design the ceremony of your dreams with a bespoke furniture layout. Guests can access the private cocktail bar, courtyard, riverside garden, Bank Manager’s Office and hotel accommodation. Their dedicated wedding planner will assist with organising your big day and provide a list of recommended vendors. Plus, the head chef will help you create a unique menu. Only the best locally-sourced ingredients are used, including produce from their own farm. Bank House, High Street, Pershore WR10 1AA Tel: 01386 552046 Email: reception@angelpershore.co.uk Web: www.bankinghall.co.uk
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Bar Limón ‘We both wanted to say the most enormous thank you to you and your team for making our wedding such a truly fabulous, special and memorable occasion with delicious food and drink in the most beautiful setting. It was just what we wanted’ E&I ‘We just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything you did for our big day. We had an amazing time. You played a big part in making it the day we wanted it to be!’ A&H
Unique, affordable and exclusively yours.
Bar Limon offers all couples an alternative venue for an unforgettable celebration. This colourful bar and restaurant, with its pretty courtyard garden, set in the heart of Great Malvern, is licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 80 guests.
8 Church Street, Malvern, Worcester WR14 2AY Tel: 01684 438663 Email: events@barlimon.co.uk Web: www.barlimon.co.uk
The Bell Traditional on the outside and contemporary on the inside, The Bell is a mix of wooden farmhouse chic with elegant lighting and a stunning open fireplace. They welcome you to take a seat for celebratory drinks or enjoy a celebration meal of delicious seasonal dishes with those you love the most. Specially designed wedding celebration menus feature a wide range of delicious dishes that are perfect for marking such a special occasion. Using the finest, seasonal ingredients, you and your guests will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy your day, whilst the chefs cook up a storm! Bromsgrove Road, Belbroughton, Stourbridge DY9 9XU Tel: 01562 731928 Email: info@thebellbelbroughton.co.uk Web: www.thebellbelbroughton.co.uk
The Abbey Hotel Nestled in a beautiful 175-acre estate in the town of Redditch, south of Birmingham, this award-winning 4-star 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 and 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, Dagnell End Road, Redditch B98 9BE Tel: 01527 406600 Email: events@theabbeyhotel.co.uk Web: www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk
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