Births, ceremonies and deaths

Ceremonies

The Prime Minister has announced that from 28 September the maximum number of individuals attending a ceremony changes from the current restriction of 30 to a further restriction of 15.

At community venues and approved venues, the 15 individuals attending the ceremony includes the couple, two witnesses and any guests. Anyone working, for example registrars, photographers, staff employed by the venue, third-party suppliers or catering staff are not included. Couples will need to contact their venue to understand how many the venue can accommodate, while observing social distancing.

Please note that we are experiencing a very high volume of calls; please bear with us during this time.

For Essex Register Office ceremonies maximum attendance is 8 until further notice. This includes the couple, two registrars and two witnesses.

There are restrictions on receptions. Find the latest guidance on the GOV.UK website.

Face coverings

Following new government guidelines, face coverings must be worn at all times when visiting any of our offices or attending ceremonies, unless you are exempt from doing so.

Death registration

We are offering telephone appointments for death and stillbirth registrations.

Birth registration

We are now offering appointments to register all babies.

We are currently experiencing very high levels of demand. Appointment availability is updated continuously on our online system, so if there are no appointments available, please do not call us, please continue to check the booking system.

Notice of marriage or civil partnership

We are now offering notice appointments for all couples who have ceremonies booked and due to take place before 1 January 2021 and who need to give notice so that their ceremony can proceed.

Test and Trace

If you book an appointment, your name and phone number may be used for NHS Test and Trace.