Births, ceremonies and deaths
Our offices, including those in libraries, are open as normal for birth registrations and notice of marriage or civil partnership appointments.
You can still arrange telephone appointments for death and stillbirth registrations using our booking system.
We're experiencing high levels of demand. Appointment availability is updated continuously on our online system, please continue to check this.
Ceremonies
Contact during national lockdown should be limited. Marriages and civil partnerships can go ahead, but only in exceptional circumstances. For example, where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover (‘deathbed wedding’) or due to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery.
If you think you have exceptional circumstances and your marriage should go ahead, provide details and we'll review your request. Please email registration@essex.gov.uk quoting ‘Exceptional circumstances’ in the subject matter heading.
Attending a ceremony, under expectional circumstances, is limited to 6 people. This includes the couple, witnesses and guests (including children). Registration officials and venue staff, are not included in the maximum number of 6.
As many venues are closed, please check your venue is still open for your
ceremony.
Changes to the rules for ceremonies
From 29 March ceremonies will be permitted for all couples. There will be a limit of 6 attendees.
This includes the couple, witnesses and guests. Registration officials and venue staff are not included in this figure.
Restrictions will then be eased in stages, as long as it is safe to do so. There will need to be a 5 week gap between each stage so it's possible these dates will be pushed back.
From 12 April at the earliest, 15 attendees will be 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.
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Register a birth
We are now taking appointments to register all babies
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Register a death
Deaths must be registered within 5 days. Book an appointment to register a death
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Get married or form a civil partnership
We are offering notice appointments for ceremonies taking place before 1st September 2021
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Register a stillbirth
Book an appointment to register a stillbirth
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Other ceremonies
Includes renewal of vows, commitment and naming ceremonies
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Convert a civil partnership into a marriage
Convert your civil partnership into a marriage
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Certificate copies
Get a certificate for a birth, marriage, civil partnership or death that happened in Essex
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Citizenship ceremonies
Information about our citizenship ceremonies
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Essex Coroner's Service
Investigating sudden, unexpected deaths and treasure finds in Essex
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What to do when someone dies
Information, advice and guidance on what to do when someone dies in Essex
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Registration contacts
Find your nearest registration office or get in touch