PIC

Arranging a Marriage Ceremony

To discuss your requirement, please telephone 020 8770 6790

Register book on table Giving your notice of intention to marry

If you are planning to be married in the Church of England, you should see your parish priest, who will arrange for the banns to be read.

For a marriage anywhere else, whether Register Office, licensed venue or religious ceremony in a church or building other than the established church, you must give a Notice of Marriage to your local Superintendent Registrar (this is your legal intent to marry).

Things you need to remember:

  • You and the person you are marrying must give notice in person. No one can do this for you.
  • You must give notice in the district(s) in which you both live. You must have lived in that district for at least seven days. If you do not hold a British, EU or Swiss passport please telephone the Register Office for more information.
  • You cannot give a notice more than one year before the date of the marriage, although a provisional booking (in Sutton) can be taken for as far ahead as you choose.
  • You may marry in any Register Office in England or Wales or at any licensed venue, but it must be a civil ceremony.
  • There will be a fee for giving notice, please phone for details.
  • Notices of marriage cannot be given less than 16 clear days before the ceremony.

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Passports or birth certificates, passport or official identity document if you were born outside the UK.
  • If either of you have been previously married, proof that the marriage has ended - if the marriage ended in divorce, either in this country or abroad, you will need a decree absolute stamped by the issuing court in England or Wales or the original certified documents issued by the country where the divorce took place, together with an English translation if the documents are in a foreign language.
  • If you are widowed, an original death certificate of your late spouse.
  • A deed poll or statutory declaration if your name has been formally changed.
  • Proof of where you live in the form of a utility bill, bank statement or driving licence.
  • If either of you is under 18 then you will need proof that your parents or guardian agree to the marriage. Please ask the Superintendent Registrar for advice.
  • If you have married each other in a foreign country, and you think the marriage might not be recognised, you will need to provide the marriage certificates or documentation issued by that country if you wish to get married in England or Wales. Please telephone the Superintendent Registrar for advice.
  • If one or both of you does not have a clear understanding of English then an interpreter must be present both at the time of giving the notice(s) of marriage and at the ceremony.

Cost

A fee is payable for the following services:

  • The giving of each notice of marriage
  • The Registrar who attends the ceremony
  • The marriage certificate

Foreign nationals

Persons wishing to give notice of their intention to marry or register a civil partnership who are not British, EEA nationals or exempt from immigration control need to attend, with their partner, an office designated to take such notices. This is irrespective of their place of residence in England or Wales. Sutton is not designated to take your notice but we will be delighted to have your ceremony here. Please contact us for further information.

You will need an appointment to give your notice of marriage, please telephone 020 8770 6790.

The Marriage Rooms

At Russettings there are two elegant rooms available for marriages.

On the day at Russettings

What you can expect on your big day.

Changing your name

In the United Kingdom it is traditional for the bride to take her husband's surname on marriage.

Renewal Ceremonies

Renewing of marriage vows offers couples a personal ceremony to honour their married years together.

Marriage Venues

Historical Searches

We hold records of marriages going back to 1837

Registering a Building of Worship

Under the provision of the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855, a congregation may apply for a certified building of worship by applying to the Superintendent Registrar in the district where the venue is situated.

Commitment ceremonies

The London Borough of Sutton and Civil Ceremonies Ltd have co-operated to provide a service for those who would like to celebrate their commitment to each other and are unable, or who do not wish to, have a marriage ceremony.