Get married or form a civil partnership

For your wedding or civil partnership to be legal, you need to have a registrar present.

Once you've booked your venue, you can book a registrar. You can do this up to two years before your ceremony at an approved venue or community venue or one year before your ceremony at the Essex Register Office.

It’s a good idea to do this as early as possible to make sure a registrar is available on the date you have in mind.

If you’re getting married or forming a civil partnership in the Essex Register Office, a registrar is included when you book your ceremony.

Some religious venues will provide their own registrars, but you should check this with them.

Fees and deposits

There is a non-refundable deposit for all civil ceremonies. The deposits vary from between £56 and £120 depending on ceremony and type of venue.

The full balance is due 6 months before the ceremony for approved venues.

If you are booking your ceremony within 6 months of the date, the full balance will be due at the point of booking.

Once you have booked, there will be a £25 charge for each alteration made.

Ceremonies in approved premises

These fees include an £120 non-refundable deposit.

In addition to the fees below, £22 is also payable for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Ceremonies in community venues

These fees include VAT and a non-refundable £56 deposit.

£22 is payable in addition for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Religious building

Registrar attendance at a religious building is £108. This includes £22 for two marriage certificates. Religious ceremonies must be paid in full when you book.

Essex Register Office

The fee for a marriage or civil partnership is £68.  This includes £22 for two marriage certificates.  The fee must be paid in full when you book