Essex.gov.uk
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.
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.
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