Get married or form a civil partnership

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.

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 £50 and £120 depending on ceremony and type of venue.

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, £11 is also payable for the marriage certificate.

Ceremonies in community venues

These fees include VAT and a non-refundable £56 deposit. £11 is payable in addition for the marriage certificate.

Religious building

Registrar attendance at a religious building is £97.00. Religious ceremonies must be paid in full when you book.