Marriage and Cohabitation

Since 1837 there has been compulsory registration of births, deaths and marriages in the United Kingdom. Each Local authority must, by law, provide this facility as well as the provision of a place licensed for civil marriage and a registrar available to register marriages at legally approved places of worship which do not hold their own register.

Herefordshire is becoming one of the most popular Counties in which to be married. This follows the 1994 Marriage Act that allows the ceremony to take place in approved locations, other than the six registration offices. Couples from all over the Country are now choosing this delightful historic County to be married in. If you wish to be married within the County you can do so either by civil or religious ceremony. A religious ceremony can take place at a church or chapel of the Church of England or Church in Wales, or at any other place of worship which has been formally registered by the Registrar General for Marriages.

A civil ceremony in Herefordshire can take place in the register office or other premises approved by the Council for marriages. Our main office is located in Town Hall St Owen's Street Hereford HR1 2PJ and is open Monday ,Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday 9.00-4.30 and on Friday 9.00-4.00. Telephone number is 01432 260565.

Herefordshire Council is a Unitary Authority, and as such is responsible for all local authority services within the County of Herefordshire. Since its inception on 1st April 1998, Herefordshire Council aims to provide quality services and places great emphasis on the 'local and personal' service it provides, reinforcing the importance of the public in the shaping and delivery of the registration service. The facilities available in our registration offices reflect this and our aim is to provide the facilities that you would like on your special day. A register office marriage does not have to be the simple ceremony it once was. All our marriage rooms are attractively furnished and decorated. The options available enable you to chose a ceremony ranging from a simple affair with just two witnesses, to the inclusion of bridesmaids, the bride being 'given away' and with music and readings of your choice. For music and readings the law requires that there be no religious content in the civil ceremony, so you must agree any items chosen with the Ceremony Co-ordinator beforehand.

You can obtain an up-to-date list of premises within Herefordshire that have been approved as venues for civil marriage ceremonies, other than register offices by writing to us in the Town Hall, St Owen's Street Hereford HR1 2PJ.Alternatively, you can also telephone 01432 260565 or email: registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk to request a copy.

Herefordshire Registration Service will accept bookings for weddings up to 12 months in advance and may accept a provisional booking for weddings a little way in advance of this time.

We operate an appointment system for weddings and you should contact the Ceremony Co-ordinator to check availability.