Marriage - frequently asked questions
- How soon can I book my ceremony date?
- Can I get married outdoors?
- How do I arrange a marriage ceremony?
- I don't live in Herefordshire, can I be married there?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I pay?
- I have received my certificates of marriage from my local register office - how soon do I need to hand them to you?
- Do we need to bring any identification with us on the day?
- What happens if I am late for the ceremony?
- How old do my witnesses need to be?
- Photographs - when can we take them?
- How many pieces of music may we include?
- May we have a religious blessing after the ceremony?
How soon can I book my ceremony date?
A provisional booking may be made for your ceremony up to 18 months in advance. This will become a confirmed booking when you give notice of marriage and this may be done 12 months in advance of your ceremony
Can I get married outdoors?
No. The law states that the ceremony must be held inside a permanent building
How do I arrange a marriage ceremony?
When you have chosen your date and agreed this with the venue you will need to contact our ceremony co-ordinator to book a registrar to attend
I don't live in Herefordshire, can I be married there?
Yes you can hold your ceremony in Herefordshire but you will need to give notice of marriage in the district in which you live. When you have chosen your date and agreed this with the venue you will need to contact our ceremony co-ordinator to book a registrar to attend. Please telephone our Herefordshire Registration Office for further details on 01432 260565 or email registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk or visit our offices at the Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PJ.
How much does it cost?
See our list of fees
How do I pay?
The fee is due one month before your wedding. Payment can be made in the following ways:
- By cheque payable to Herefordshire Council, and posted to The Register Office, The Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PJ. Please give details of the date, venue and your names on the back of the cheque.
- By card payment over the telephone - 01432 383261
- By cash.
I have received my certificates of marriage from my local register office - how soon do I need to hand them to you?
We cannot marry you without these certificates, so we will need them from you as soon as possible.
Do we need to bring any identification with us on the day?
No
What happens if I am late for the ceremony?
Although it may be traditional for the bride to be late, it is important that your ceremony starts promptly as the registrar may be attending other ceremonies after yours. Late arrival may result in your ceremony not going ahead
How old do my witnesses need to be?
Herefordshire Registration Service policy states that witnesses should be aged 18 or over and capable of understanding the events which have taken place
Photographs - when can we take them?
We ask that your guests refrain from taking photos during the ceremony however a nominated photographer may take photos of the entrance of the bride and on the exchange of rings. For reasons of data protection photographs cannot be taken of the actual signing of the marriage register. There will be plenty of opportunity for photos afterwards with a blank register.
How many pieces of music may we include?
You may wish to include 3 pieces of music - one for the entrance of the bride, one to play during the signing of the register and one for the exit of the bride and groom. Please note none of these pieces should have any religious content.
May we have a religious blessing after the ceremony?
Marriages in approved premises may be followed by a religious blessing provided the registrars have left the building. There must be a clear break between the civil ceremony and the religious proceedings and the blessing should not take place before the civil marriage ceremony.