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This content has been translated by a computer program and may not be 100% accurate.

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Marriage and civil partnership

Overview

The first step is booking your ceremony.

Once you have a confirmed ceremony date and venue, you must give notice.

If your ceremony takes place at an approved venue in Calderdale, we will give you access to a digital ceremony planner. You will create a bespoke ceremony plan that will help you understand what will happen on the day.

Fees apply for booking a registrar and giving notice, please see: Ceremony fees.

Legal and financial advice

We cannot advise on the legal status or benefits of marriage or civil partnership. You should get legal or financial advice before deciding which option, if any, to form.

Types of ceremonies

Civil marriage

These can take place at any:

  • Register Office in England and Wales.
  • Premises approved by a local authority.

You do not need to have the ceremony in the district where you live.

The only restriction is that civil ceremonies cannot be religious in nature. We are unable to include hymns, prayers or other religious rituals or symbols.

Religious marriage

A religious ceremony can take place in a church, chapel or other building of religious worship. These must have been formally registered for marriage ceremonies. The service is conducted by a minister in accordance with the religious rites and ceremonies of the premises.

Church of England

To marry in these churches, you or your partner normally need to live within churches' Parish. Although, you can often marry at a church if you are a regular worshipper there.

If the vicar agrees to marry you:

  • they will arrange for your 'Banns' to be read;
  • and register the marriage.

In general, there is no need to give notice of your marriage at a Register Office. If you do need to do this, the vicar will advise you.

After your ceremony

Your vicar will return your completed marriage document to the local Register Office for your marriage registration to be completed.

Other religious buildings

The religious building must usually be in the registration district where you or your partner live. If it is outside that district, it must be a place of regular worship for either of you.

Ceremonies are normally conducted by a minister or other authorised religious officiant. In some cases, a registrar will also need to attend to register the marriage.

To arrange a ceremony at one of these venues, contact the officiant or person responsible for bookings at the place of worship. They can advise whether a registrar is required to be present.

You will need to give notice of your marriage to your local Register Office. They will then issue you with a schedule to give to the person who will conduct the ceremony.

After your ceremony

The completed schedule is returned to the local Register Office for your marriage registration to be completed.

Civil partnership

Civil Partnerships are another way to make a legal and binding commitment to each other.

  • They become legal when you acknowledge the words in the schedule.
  • This is then signed in the presence of the Partnership Registrar and two witnesses.

You do not have to take part in a ceremony or exchange rings, but you can choose to do so.

These can take place at any:

  • Register Office in England and Wales.
  • Premises approved by a local authority.

You do not have to have the ceremony in the district where you live.

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