Our offices, including those in libraries, are open as normal for birth registrations and notices of marriage or civil partnership appointments.

We are experiencing a high volume of demand for these appointments. Availability is updated continuously on our online system, please continue to check this.

You can arrange telephone appointments for death and stillbirth registrations using our online booking system.

If you have a ceremony booked and are not able to find an appointment which allows for the 28 day waiting period please email ceremonies@essex.gov.uk

Ceremonies

Restrictions on the number of people who can attend a ceremony are being eased in stages. There will need to be a 5 week gap between each stage so it's possible these dates will be pushed back.

Currently, 15 attendees are permitted at ceremonies.

From 17 May at the earliest, 30 attendees will be permitted at ceremonies.

These both include the couple, witnesses and guests. Registration officials and venue staff are not included in the figures.

From 21 June at the earliest, and as long as it is safe to do so, ceremonies may take place with no restrictions on the number of attendees.