Arranging a Civil Marriage Ceremony
A civil marriage is a completely secular (non-religious) ceremony. It can take place at a register office or venue that has been licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies. The ceremony cannot have any religious content, but some individual touches can be added such as non-religious music and readings.
Who can get married?
You and your partner can get married as long as all the following circumstances apply:
- You are over the age of 18
- You are not already married or in a Civil Partnership
- You are not closely related through blood or marriage
Decide where your Marriage Ceremony will take place
In England and Wales, a Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership can take place at a registry office or at a building approved for Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships.
There are several buildings Licenced for Marriage in Torfaen.
Torfaen Register Office is located within ‘the old town hall.’ A large Victorian building situated in the heart of Pontypool town centre. There are several rooms licensed for marriage within the building.
- The Hanbury Suite: A large Ceremonial room which would accommodate up to 50 guests
- The Park Suite: A small intimate ceremony room, which seats up to 10 guests
- The Register Office: Available for the couple and two witnesses (Mon – Thu only)
A courtyard area to the side of the building is available for photographs. Alternatively, Pontypool Parks Italian Gardens are just opposite, providing the perfect backdrop setting in which to capture your special day.
View photos of the service area and ceremony rooms available
The registration fees include the use of the room as well as the attendance of the registrar.
Alternatively, you can choose from one of our other venues licensed for Marriage within the borough:
A fee will need to be paid for the attendance of the registrars on the day, this will be in addition to any fees that the venue will charge for the hire of their licensed room.
Decide when your Marriage Ceremony will take place
A registration officer will need to be available to attend your ceremony on the day. Bookings are taken on a strictly first come, first served basis, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
A notice needs to be given. You can give this up to a year in advance of the date.
How you will be able to obtain a Marriage Certificate (after your Ceremony)
A Marriage Certificate can only be issued after your details have been entered on to the electronic marriage register. This means that you will not be able to obtain a Marriage Certificate on the day of your marriage. Your details will be entered onto the electronic registration register within 7 days after you have signed your Marriage Schedule.
After this time, if you require a Certificate, it will be necessary for you to contact Torfaen Registrars on 01495 742132, to apply for and order your Marriage Certificate. The cost is £11.00 per copy and a debit or credit card payment can be taken at this time.
Outdoor Ceremony at an approved premise venue
It is possible to have the whole legal ceremony outdoors at an approved Premise venue, including the signing of the schedule. You will need to confirm that your venue is offering legal outdoor ceremonies and that the outdoor location has been approved by the registration service.
If you would like to discuss an outdoor ceremony, please contact us on 01495 742132 for assistance.
Arranging a marriage ceremony in difficult circumstances
If your ceremony needs to be held in a venue that is not licensed for civil ceremonies, or your circumstances are such that you would need to hold your ceremony very quickly, then we may be able to help you with this. Please contact the office for guidance and advice on your individual circumstance. If you require assistance outside normal office hours, then please call the Torfaen Out of Hours Service on 01495 762200, who will arrange for a member of the Registration Team to contact you directly.
If you would like to book a ceremony or require any further guidance, please contact the office on 01495 742132 or email: registrars@torfaen.gov.uk where staff will be happy to help.
Last Modified: 27/02/2023
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