Marriage ceremonies
Updated 4 May 2021
Applies to England and Wales
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/marriage-registration-guidance-for-authorised-persons/marriage-registration-guidance
1. Changes from 4 May 2021
Marriages will no longer be registered in a paper marriage register. The details of the marriage will be captured on a marriage schedule or marriage document which will be registered on the electronic marriage register at the local register office after the ceremony.
Each party to the marriage will be able to record the details of up to 4 parents on the marriage schedule or marriage document (for example, mothers, fathers or step parents).
Marriage certificates can only be issued by the register office or General Register Office (GRO). Authorised persons, members of the clergy or secretaries for synagogues will not be able to issue marriage certificates after 4 May 2021.
2. Authorised persons
One year after a building has been registered for the solemnisation of marriages, the trustees or governing body can appoint an authorised person to attend marriages and sign the marriage schedule without the need for a registrar from the register office to attend.
The appointment is made by 2 trustees or members of the governing body of the registered building completing a certificate of appointment form. Further information on this process can be found in the guidance document. The form should be returned to the General Register Office as the appointment has to be recorded by the Registrar General before the authorised person can commence their duties.
The individual who is to be appointed should be given a guidance letter, which should be read before completing the application form.
The General Register Office has produced a guide for authorised persons and a newsletter for authorised persons.
Once you have been appointed, it is important that you notify the General Register Office and your local registration service of any change in your contact details. If any details change (such as your name or email address), you should complete a change of contact details notification form and send a copy to The General Register Office and a copy to your local Register Office.
3. The clergy
The General Register Office provides guidance to the clergy in their roles relating to marriage ceremonies as well as a newsletter.
4. Secretaries of synagogues
The General Register Office has produced both a guidebook for secretaries for marriages of synagogues, which provides guidance on the responsibilities of a secretary for marriages within a synagogue, and a newsletter.