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Marriages

COVID-19 Service Information

Registration and Celebratory Service

Following the most recent guidance from the Government, East Riding Registration Service will not be able to attend ceremonies until further notice.

Some exceptions will apply, such as an urgent marriage/civil partnership where one of the couple is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-saving surgery. In these circumstances, medical evidence from a GP will be required.

The service will be working through bookings in date order and would ask that all couples bear with us as we progress with this.

All existing email enquiries will be responded to as soon as possible although ceremony bookings are being taken via email:

Email: registration.service@eastriding.gov.uk

The service appreciates the difficult situation faced by couples and venues, locally and nationally during these uncertain times and are doing their best to be as flexible as possible.

We would like to thank you for your understanding.

Marriage/civil partnerships

Following the announcement by the Government for a third lockdown guidelines mean that no civil marriages or civil partnerships can take place at this time.

Exceptions can be made for an urgent marriage where one of the couple is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or is to undergo debilitating or life-changing surgery. Medical evidence will be required.

Once we are out of this present lockdown and become aware of any new Government guidance on the number of people able to attend ceremonies or any changes to the COVID-19 safety rules we will contact imminent couples to inform them of these important facts.

In the meantime, registration officers will still be working with couples who have the opportunity to rearrange, stay with their original date or move their booking to a new date.

It is important that couples check their email address they have supplied to us in regards to their bookings and check their spam cache regularly so they can access any information as soon as possible.

The email address for East Riding Registration Services is registration.service@eastriding.gov.uk.

We are still able to take certain notices of marriage and couples will be able to contact the office on (01482) 393600 to make appointments to give notice for marriage and civil partnerships.

We do ask for couples’ patience and understanding again as we cope with a changing priority for so many of them.

How do I arrange a wedding ceremony?

To start planning your wedding celebrations, find wedding venues in the East Riding and ceremony costs please visit: www.eastridingceremonies.co.uk (external East Riding website).

Do I have to carry out any legal procedures before a marriage?

Yes, you must give notice of intention to marry 28 clear days before the ceremony. Find out how to do this and what information you will need to bring at:

East Riding Ceremonies (external council website)

Do I have to take my partner’s name when I get married?

There is no legal requirement to take your partner's name after you get married. You can keep your own name if you wish and you do not need to notify anyone of that decision. However, you may take your partner's name or even combine the two.

Who do I have to notify if I decide to change my name?

You only have to notify people or organisations that have an interest in your identity. For example, you will have to notify your employer, your bank, Inland Revenue etc.

What happens if my marriage is to take place in another country?

If you plan to marry in another country, you may be able to give notice in the district where each of you live. It requires 28 clear days waiting period from the date you apply to being granted a certificate of no impediment. For more information please contact your nearest registration office.

What happens if my marriage is to take place in another country?

If you plan to marry in another country, you may be able to give notice in the district where each of you live. It requires 28 clear days waiting period from the date you apply to being granted a certificate of no impediment. For more information please contact your nearest registration office.

What are immigration rules for getting married in England and Wales?

All persons under immigration control who are marrying after civil preliminaries (giving notices) must give their notice of intention to marry at a designated register office. Please contact your nearest registration office for more information.

What happens to my personal information collected by the registrar?

View the East Riding Registration Services privacy notice for an explanation of what happens to personal information collected by registrars. 

What happens if my marriage is to take place in a place of worship?

Before arranging a religious marriage, you will need to have talked to the authorities at your place of worship. If you intend to marry in the Church of England it is unlikely you will need to inform a registrar. We suggest that you telephone the Church of England faculty office on 020 7222 5381.

In most other instances you will need to give notice of your intention to get married. This happens in the register office in the district where you live unless one of you is a foreign national without right of abode. Each party to the marriage must give their own notice. For more information on giving notice, please visit www.eastridingceremonies.co.uk (external East Riding website).

There is a minimum of 28 clear days waiting period, from the latest notice being given, before the marriage can take place. A document from both districts must be presented to the person performing the ceremony, prior to the marriage. The marriage must take place within one year of giving the earliest notice.

You may be required to have a registrar present to register your marriage. It is vitally important that the attendance of a registrar is confirmed as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. The religious authorities should give all these details to you.

If you are in any doubt, please contact your nearest registration office.

How do I obtain copies of my marriage certificate?

You must apply to the register office in the district in which you were married. If you were married in the East Riding of Yorkshire we can provide a copy certificate of your marriage entry. Please contact your nearest registration office.

Please note: if you make an application for additional copies within one month of the date of your marriage you will be able to purchase them at a reduced fee.

Can we renew our vows at a later date?

Yes, we offer a bespoke renewal of vows ceremony. Find out more at:

www.eastridingceremonies.co.uk (external East Riding website). 

What happens if I or my partner wish to transgender?

Depending where your marriage was registered, and whether you and your partner wish to stay married, you will need to take certain steps before you can apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate. For full information, visit:

GOV.UK – Apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate (external website)

Where is my nearest registration office?

Find your nearest registration office.

How can I licence my venue for ceremonies?

You can apply for an approved venue license if your venue meets certain conditions. Further information can be found on the approved premises for ceremonies page. 

Can I leave feedback on the service I have used?

Yes, we welcome your feedback.

Please complete our online survey (external website)

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