Getting Married
Advice and information
We can guide you through the legal formalities required and decisions involved if you are planning to marry. The decision to commit yourself to your partner is an important one and we are dedicated to providing a service that will ensure your day is a memorable occasion. We are always available to meet with you to discuss your personal requirements. If you wish to discuss your plans or require any further information after reading these pages, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8753 2140.
Getting married - how to do it:
First, you must decide what kind of wedding you want, and where:
Civil marriage
A civil ceremony can take place in a register office or other premises approved by Hammersmith & Fulham for marriages (for example, ChelseaFootball Club, The Queen's Club). For a marriage in an approved premise, you will need to make arrangements at the venue. In addition, you will both need to personally give a formal notice of your marriage to the superintendent registrar (if you do not live in the borough, you need to contact the registrar in the district where you live).
What you need to do next:
When you have viewed the pages on this site, contact us if you wish to use our offices. If you wish to use another approved venue, you should first check the availability of the venue with them then make an appointment to visit us. Please telephone us in advance on 020 8753 2140 to arrange a convenient time.
Religious marriages
A religious ceremony can take place at a Church or Chapel of the Church of England or at any other place of worship which has been formally registered for marriages.
Church of England
If you wish to be married in the Church of England - usually you will be able to do so only if you or your partner live in the parish. In the first instance you should first speak to the vicar. If the vicar agrees to marry you, they will arrange for the Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common licence to be issued. The marriage will also need to be registered by the vicar. There is usually no need to involve the registrar.
What you need to do next:
Contact the vicar of the church in your parish, who will be able to help you make the necessary arrangements.
Other places of religious worship
If you wish to marry by religious ceremony other than in the Church of England, you should first arrange to see the minister or other person in charge of marriages at the building. However, the church or religious building in question must normally be in the registration district where you or your partner live. It will also be necessary for both of you to give formal notice of your marriage to the superintendent registrar of the district(s) where you live. A registrar may also need to be booked from the register office in order to register the marriage.
What you need to do next:
Contact the minister or leader of the religious building you wish to be married in. They will help you make the arrangements. They will let you know whether you need to make an appointment with us as well.
