Get married or form a civil partnership

For your wedding or civil partnership to be legal, you need to have a registrar present.

Once you've booked your venue, you can book a registrar. You can do this up to two years before your ceremony at an approved venue or community venue or one year before your ceremony at the Essex Register Office.

It’s a good idea to do this as early as possible to make sure a registrar is available on the date you have in mind.

If you’re getting married or forming a civil partnership in the Essex Register Office, a registrar is included when you book your ceremony.

Some religious venues will provide their own registrars, but you should check this with them.

To book a registrar, call 0345 603 7632

Fees and deposits

There is a non-refundable deposit for all civil ceremonies. The deposits vary from between £56 and £120 depending on ceremony and type of venue.

The full balance is due 6 months before the ceremony for approved venues.

If you are booking your ceremony within 6 months of the date, the full balance will be due at the point of booking.

Once you have booked, there will be a £25 charge for each alteration made.

Fee changes

Our locally set fees are subject to change on 1 April each year. Statutory fees changes can take place at any time. As we take bookings in advance, the fee could change between the time of booking and the date of your ceremony. We reserve the right to pass on any fee increases to you.

Ceremonies in approved premises

These fees include an £120 non-refundable deposit.

In addition to the fees below, £25 is also payable for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Ceremonies in community venues

These fees include VAT and a non-refundable £56 deposit.

£25 is payable in addition for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Religious building

Registrar attendance at a religious building is £104. 

£25 is payable in addition for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking. 

Religious ceremonies must be paid in full when you book.

Essex Register Office

The fee for a marriage or civil partnership is £56.  

£25 is payable in addition for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking. 

The fee must be paid in full when you book