Essex.gov.uk
Ceremonies
The Prime Minister has announced that from 28 September the maximum number of individuals attending a ceremony changes from the current restriction of 30 to a further restriction of 15.
At community venues and approved venues, the 15 individuals attending the ceremony includes the couple, two witnesses and any guests. Anyone working, for example registrars, photographers, staff employed by the venue, third-party suppliers or catering staff are not included. Couples will need to contact their venue to understand how many the venue can accommodate, while observing social distancing.
Please note that we are experiencing a very high volume of calls; please bear with us during this time.
For Essex Register Office ceremonies maximum attendance is 8 until further notice. This includes the couple, two registrars and two witnesses.
There are restrictions on receptions. Find the latest guidance on the GOV.UK website.
Face coverings
Following new government guidelines, face coverings must be worn at all times when visiting any of our offices or attending ceremonies, unless you are exempt from doing so.
Death registration
We are offering telephone appointments for death and stillbirth registrations.
Birth registration
We are now offering appointments to register all babies.
We are currently experiencing very high levels of demand. Appointment availability is updated continuously on our online system, so if there are no appointments available, please do not call us, please continue to check the booking system.
Notice of marriage or civil partnership
At this time we are only booking notice appointments for ceremonies taking place before 1st April 2021.
Test and Trace
If you book an appointment, your name and phone number may be used for NHS Test and Trace.
Register a stillbirth
When to register a stillbirth
If your baby was born after the 24th week of pregnancy but did not breathe or show any signs of life, you will need to register a stillbirth.
This gives parents an opportunity to have their child officially acknowledged and have their name recorded.
This has to happen before you’re able to have a burial or cremation for your baby.
If your baby was born before 24 weeks and showed no signs of life, this is legally classed as a miscarriage, and you do not need to register it.
If your baby showed signs of life after birth and then died you will need to register this as a birth and a death within five days.
Print this page