Book and pay for a registrar
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.
Book a registrar
Telephone: 0345 603 7632
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.
Day | 1 April 2023-31 March 2024 | 1 April 2024-31 March 2025 | 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026 |
---|---|---|---|
Monday to Thursday | £670 | £690 | £710 |
Friday | £685 | £705 | £725 |
Saturday | £715 | £735 | £760 |
Sunday, Bank or Public Holiday | £735 | £755 | £780 |
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.
Day | 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024 | 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025 | 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026 |
---|---|---|---|
Monday-Thursday | £240 | £250 | £257.50 |
Friday | £330 | £340 | £350 |
Saturday morning | £415 | £430 | £440 |
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