Registry office weddings are a non-religious alternative to Church marriages for people of other faiths, or who are of no religion. Also many couples are just not comfortable with a traditional wedding so they choose this route.
Registry office weddings are a great way to save money on your wedding budget. If thoughts of a religious ceremony or a large wedding don’t satisfy you, you should consider getting married in a registry office.
Below are all the information you need to plan a registry office wedding in Wales
Notice of Marriage: Unless you are marrying in the Church of England or Church in Wales by banns or common licence, you will both need to give notice to the superintendent registrar at your local register office.
You must both have lived in the registration district in England or Wales for at least seven days before giving notice at the register office. If you both live within the same district, you will need to give notice at the same office. However, if you live in different registration districts you will have to give notice separately in your own areas.
A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months. This means that you can’t give notice of marriage more than 12 months before the date of your wedding. You can only give notice of marriage if you have made an appointment.
Read Also: A Comprehensive Guide To Registry Office Weddings In Scotland
Documents: When you first go to the registry office, you need to take proof of your name, age and nationality. This could be a valid passport, birth certificate, national identity card, certificate of registration, certificate of naturalisation, biometric residence card or permit, or a travel document. If you’ve changed your name, you must also bring proof of that.
If either of the persons intending to get married are under the age of 18 years, and are not a widow or widower, then the parents’ or guardians’ agreement to the marriage must be be given.
Ceremonies are between 9.30am to 3pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays.
You may be able to see the rooms before making a decision and, once you have chosen your room, date and ceremony time, you can make a provisional booking with a small,non-refundable booking fee.
Cost: Saving The Date £25.00 (for advanced bookings)
Fee for marriage ceremony/civil partnership £46.00
Certificate of marriage/civil partnership £11.00
Rules for Wales registry offices:
- No type of food or drinks are allowed in the rooms.
- hymns or passages from the Bible are not permitted. Music and readings with religious connotations are not allowed at registry offices.
- A friend or family member may only conduct your ceremony if they are legally authorised by a registrar
- You are required to have at least two witnesses present.
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Wales Registry Offices and Town Halls
- Dare Valley Country Park
- Miskin Manor Hotel
- Pontypridd Golf Club
- Rhondda Heritage Park Hotel
- The Old Rectory & Gardens Llanilid
- Three Saints Hotel
- Ty Newydd County Hotel
- Lanelay Hall
- The Boars Head, Talygarn
- Llantrisant Guildhall
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