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Wedding Notices & Ceremonies

The following questions and answers will assist with wedding plans. A notice of marriage will need to be given before a civil marriage can take place.

 

Who is eligible to marry?

• A person must be over 16 years of age with parental consent
• Eighteen years of age or over without consent
• Not members of the same sex
• May not be able to marry if related by blood, marriage, adoption or surrogacy
• Not already married or in a Civil Partnership.

What is a Notice of Marriage?

• A Notice of Marriage is a legal requirement which must be given before any marriage can take place (excluding, at present, marriages in the Church of England and the Church in Wales).

Where can Notice of Marriage be given?

• A Notice of Marriage must be given by the couple in the Registration District in which they have lived for a minimum of seven days, regardless of where they are to marry.

How can a Notice of Marriage be given?

• A Notice of Marriage must be given whether the couple are to marry at a Register Office or a Church or Chapel (Non Conformist or Catholic). NB: The Church of England and The Church in Wales call Banns instead of giving Notice. The Church Vicar should be consulted on this.
• An appointment should be made to give notice at the couple’s local Register Office when dates and times and place have been decided.
• Couples marrying abroad need to consult the authorities of that country in advance to ensure they obtain the correct documentation from Britain.

What documents are needed to give a Notice of Marriage?

• Evidence of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate or driving licence).
• If previously married, documents showing how that marriage ended (such as decree absolute stamped by the Court ,or a death certificate).
• Proof of current name and address (such as a utility bill).
• If a name has been changed supporting documents will need to be seen such as a Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration. A Deed poll should be stamped by The High Court.
• If one or both of the parties are not British or from The E.U. notice may need to be given at a designated register office other than the local office.
• The Notice of Marriage will be displayed on the Register Office notice board for 15 clear days. This is to ensure that no member of the public has any legal objection to the marriage. After this time a certificate giving authority to marry can be issued in readiness for the wedding.
• N.B. Photocopies cannot be accepted.

Where can a marriage take place?

• At any register office in England or Wales.
• At any approved premises in England or Wales (hotels for example) which have been licensed for marriages - costs will vary.
• At chapel or church within the Torfaen Registration District. At a chapel or church outside Torfaen Registration District if it is the couple’s usual place of worship. NB: Church in Wales and Church of England weddings must be arranged through the local Vicar.
• Civil marriage ceremonies can be performed in the Register Office or approved premises within Torfaen almost every day of the year. Currently these premises are The Parkway Hotel and The Commodore Hotel, Cwmbran and The Millennium Hall, Garndiffaith.

When can a Notice of Marriage be given?

• This can be done up to a year in advance of the marriage date, but not less than 15 days before the marriage.
• After a notice of marriage has been given and displayed on the notice board in the Register Office for 15 full days, a certificate authorising the marriage can be issued. This certificate is valid for up to one year from the date the notice was given.

How much does it cost to give Notice of Marriage?

• Currently the fee is £30 per person on the day notice is given

What is the charge for the Marriage Ceremony?

• In a register office the current charge is £43.50 on the Wedding Day.
• In approved premises such as a hotel, (licensed for marriages), the fee can vary greatly. In this District it is currently £153.50 to £228.50 depending on the day chosen.

What if my fiancé/fiancée lives in another district?

• Your fiancé/fiancée must give notice of marriage in that district. The fee of £30 will be the same and an appointment will probably have to be made with that office.

What to expect from the Civil Marriage Ceremony

• The marriage ceremony is a happy yet dignified occasion, however it is not a religious ceremony.
• Choices can be added to the legal framework of the marriage ceremony to personalise the occasion from a comprehensive range of music and readings held at the Register Office.
• The bride can be given away and rings presented by a special guest or children.
• The Marriage Information pack is especially prepared to help couples decide on their choices for their wedding.
• At the end of the wedding the marriage certificate will be presented by the Superintendent Registrar. Additional copies can be purchased at this time or at a later date.
• Staff will be happy to discuss and advise on your wedding ceremony and appointments can be made for this.