Get married or form a civil partnership

Everything you need to get married or form a civil partnership in Essex. Includes booking a registrar, a venue and giving notice.

Book and pay for a registrar

For your wedding or civil partnership to be legal, you need to have a registrar present.

Once you've booked your venue, you can book a registrar. You can do this up to two years before your ceremony at an approved venue or community venue or one year before your ceremony at the Essex Register Office.

It’s a good idea to do this as early as possible to make sure a registrar is available on the date you have in mind.

If you’re getting married or forming a civil partnership in the Essex Register Office, a registrar is included when you book your ceremony.

Some religious venues will provide their own registrars, but you should check this with them.

Book a registrar

Telephone: 0345 603 7632

Fees and deposits

There is a non-refundable deposit for all civil ceremonies. The deposits vary from between £56 and £120 depending on ceremony and type of venue.

The full balance is due 6 months before the ceremony for approved venues.

If you are booking your ceremony within 6 months of the date, the full balance will be due at the point of booking.

Once you have booked, there will be a £25 charge for each alteration made.

Fee changes

Our locally set fees are subject to change on 1 April each year. Statutory fees changes can take place at any time. As we take bookings in advance, the fee could change between the time of booking and the date of your ceremony. We reserve the right to pass on any fee increases to you.

Ceremonies in approved premises

These fees include an £120 non-refundable deposit.

In addition to the fees below, £22 is also payable for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Day 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027
Monday to Thursday £670 £700 £715 £730
Friday £685 £715 £730 £745
Saturday £715 £745 £760 £745
Sunday, Bank or Public Holiday £735 £765 £780 £795

Ceremonies in community venues

These fees include VAT and a non-refundable £56 deposit.

£22 is payable in addition for two marriage certificates. If you need a different number of certificates, please let us know at the point of booking.

Day 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027
Monday to Thursday £240 £250 £255 £260
Friday £330 £345 £350 £360
Saturday morning £415 £430 £440 £450

Religious building

Registrar attendance at a religious building is £108. This includes £22 for two marriage certificates. Religious ceremonies must be paid in full when you book.

Essex Register Office

The fee for a marriage or civil partnership is £68.  This includes £22 for two marriage certificates.  The fee must be paid in full when you book