There is a choice of venues where you may marry and there are a number of formalities that you must go through before you can be married.
You may have a civil marriage in any Register Office in England or Wales or in an approved premises such as a hotel that is licensed for marriage.
If you wish to be married in a church you must discuss this with the Minister.
If the church is a Church of England, Banns will have to be called in the church and this will be done by the Vicar.
If you wish to marry in any other religious venue, notice of marriage will need to be given to the Superintendent Registrar in the area in which you reside.
Further advice may be obtained from the Register Office staff regarding this.
Notice of marriage must be given in person by both the bride and groom. Where possible you should attend together if you both reside in Gateshead.
You will need to make an appointment to give your notice.
If you live in Gateshead the notices must be given at Gateshead Register Office. You can make an appointment in person, by telephone or via e-mail.
Documents Needed
When you attend your local Register Office to give notice you will be asked to bring the following documents:
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Birth certificate
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Passport
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Decree absolute {if Divorced}
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Death Certificate {if widowed - the marriage certificate may also be requested}
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2 proofs per person of residential address
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If you have changed your name by Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration you will need to bring the document with you
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If you were divorced in a foreign country you will be asked to provide the original divorce document and you may be asked to provide a translation
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Please note photocopies of documents are not accepted
When you give your notice of marriage to the Superintendent Registrar you must have chosen a specific venue for the ceremony. There is a statutory fee payable for the giving of the notices.
If however you give notice and then alter the venue, new notices will need to be given and the fee paid again.
How Soon Should I give Notice?
Notice of marriage may be given up to one year ahead of the marriage and it is advisable to give notice of marriage as soon as is possible to confirm the availability of the Superintendent Registrar.
If the marriage is to take place in a civil venue in a different area to the residential district where you live, you will also need to make arrangements with the Superintendent Registrar of that district to perform the marriage.
For further information on marriages in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland please visit the websites below.