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Marriages

Legal preliminaries to marriage

Before you can marry by a civil ceremony in England or Wales, there are certain formalities that are required by law. You both need to attend the Register Office in the district in which you have had your usual residence for the preceding seven days to inform them of your intention to marry. This is called giving notice. Giving notice means declaring that you are free to marry and requires you to provide certain documents. This notice has to be given up to one year before the day of your wedding. Fifteen clear days must pass before the Superintendent Registrar’s certificates can be issued and you are able to marry.

Documents to be produced

  • Passport or two forms of ID – Birth Certificate and/or Driving Licence and/or Medical Card
  • Home Office documentation where applicable
  • If you have changed your name a Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration
  • Decree Absolute(s)
  • Documents regarding civil partnership(s)
  • Death Certificate(s) of Wife or Husband
  • Documents regarding your Marriage to each other abroad
  • Completed Parent Consent(s) forms where applicable
  • Proof of Address, i.e. Council Tax bill, rent book, utility bill or bank statement

Fees

The fee of £30.00 each is payable at the time of giving notice (either by cash or cheque together with a valid cheque guarantee card). An appointment system is in operation for those persons living in Walsall who wish to be married, please telephone us on the number below.

Immigration control

You have to follow special procedures if you wish to marry someone subject to immigration control (e.g. staying in the UK on a visa). For example, when you give notice you will need to go together to a specially designated Register Office. For more information about immigration related issues, contact the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website or telephone 0870 606 7766.

Further information

Visit the General Register Office website for further information about marriage.

Contact us

The Register Office
Walsall Council
Civic Centre
Hatherton Road
Walsall 
WS1 1TN

Telephone 0845 111 2847
Email walsallregisteroffice@walsall.gov.uk