Registering a Marriage (Weddings)

Finding out about getting married outside England and Wales

Marriage laws differ greatly throughout the world. You may be using a reputable holiday company who will give you guidance; or you may wish to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you wish the marriage to take place. If the country is within the United Kingdom contact a register office within that country for advice.

There is usually no provision for a marriage solemnized in a foreign country to be registered in this country. However, there is provision in some cases for a record of the marriage to be held in the United Kingdom but this does not apply to every marriage that takes place overseas. Please contact the register office for further information.

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Finding out about getting married below the age of consent

If either of you is under 18 you may need the consent of your parents or guardian. You can obtain a form for this purpose from the register office. Please telephone the register office for further information.

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Asking about marriage where one or both parties are foreign citizens

Unless you are a British citizen, a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or you have in your passport a certificate of entitlement giving you right of abode in the UK, you will be subject to immigration control.

If you are subject to immigration control whilst in the UK you must have either settled status in the UK such as indefinite leave to enter or remain, a marriage visa or certificate of approval from the Home Office before you can give notice of intention to marry.

Once you have this, and any other documents required (see Documents Required) and you and the person you wish to marry have both been resident in a district within England or Wales for at least seven consecutive days, you will both need to give your legal notices at a designated register office. Bristol register office is one of 76 register offices within England and Wales selected to be a designated register office.

If one or both of you are subject to immigration control and have all the required documents we can attest notices from you and the person you wish to marry, even if you do not live within the Bristol area.

You must produce evidence of your identity and nationality when you attend to give notice of intention to marry. If you have been married before you must provide proof that your marriage has ended, together with a translation into English, if required. If either of you has difficulty in understanding English you must bring someone with you to interpret. This must be a third person: you may not interpret for each other.

For further information please telephone the register office.

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Finding out about getting married quickly

(When one partner is terminally ill)

The Registrar General may issue a licence for a marriage to take place quickly where one party is terminally ill and is not expected to recover. If the marriage is to be according to the rites of the Church of England you must contact a clergyman of the Church of England. For a civil marriage ceremony, or a marriage ceremony according to any other denomination or religion please contact the Superintendent Registrar of the district where the marriage is to take place.

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Civil Partnership Act 2004

The Civil Partnership Act was implemented on 5th December 2005. Same-sex couples can now apply to their local authority to register their intention to form a civil partnership.

More information about civil partnerships is available on this website.

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Ceremonies at the Old Council House

Bristol Register Office The Old Council House, Corn Street Bristol, BS1 1JG

Bristol is a lively vibrant city full of character and historical interest making it a perfect choice for your ceremony.

The Register Office is in a Grade II listed building which has many wonderful interesting features including a grand sweeping staircase, ideal for those special pictures.

We are very proud of the Old Council House building, and of the rooms we now have available.  The Old Council House is situated at the cross roads of Corn Street and Broad Street.  (see map)

The total cost to have a marriage or civil partnership in the Register Office Statutory Marriage Room is £110.50.  This includes the fee of £67.00 to give a legal notice of marriage or civil partnership.  A ceremony in this room is a standard marriage or civil partnership ceremony.  The ceremony will consist of the legal declaratory and contracting words and the exchange of rings. We provide appropriate background music.  This room holds a maximum of 50 people.

In addition to the statutory marriage room we also have available for hire the Lantern Room and the Grand Council Chamber.  Ceremonies in these two rooms can be personalised to your requirements with your own readings and your choice of appropriate music should you wish.  Readings or music of a religious nature is not allowed for a civil ceremony.

The Lantern Room

With its beautifully crafted interior and elegant lighting, the Lantern Room’s regency-style setting provides the ideal atmosphere for that special event.  This room holds up to 70 people

The total cost to hold a marriage or civil partnership ceremony in the Lantern Room includes the fees for notice, the hire of the room and for the two registrars to attend.

The Grand Council Chamber

Opened by Queen Victoria and housing large paintings depicting various events in Bristol’s history, this is the ideal venue for the larger ceremonies as the room holds up to 150 people.

The total cost to have a marriage or civil partnership ceremony in the Grand Council Chamber includes the fees for notice, the hire of the room and for the two registrars to attend.

These rooms are also available for hire for naming or renewal of vows ceremonies or for private citizenship ceremonies.

If you wish to view the rooms for a wedding, civil partnership, naming ceremony or renewal of vows ceremony, please ring the office on 0117 922 2800 (press option 3 for ceremonies) to book an appointment.  Viewing times are generally Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday  9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.

For marriage or civil partnership enquiries, please ring or visit the office during the above hours.  To give notice of marriage or civil partnership at Bristol Register Office please telephone 0117 922 2800 for an appointment.  A fee of £33.50 is payable at the time of your appointment to give notice.

The rooms are also available for general hire for meetings, seminars or training purposes.  Contact:  conference.office@bristol.gov.uk  or telephone 0117 922 4737  for further details.

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Costs from 1st April 2010 - 31st March 2011

A fee of £33.50 per person is payable to give a legal notice of marriage or civil partnership. This fee is payable regardless of where the ceremony will take place and is paid to the local register office at the time of your appointment to give notice and to produce supporting documents.

Approved venues for civil partnerships.

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