I am very pleased to tell you that I have been asked to take part in a new exciting pilot scheme which will be launched on 1st January 2018. 

From 2018, couples marrying in  Staffordshire will be able to have a  ‘Combined Ceremony’ under the new scheme. 

Combined Ceremonies will be possible at all licenced premises in Staffordshire.  There is no requirement for either partner to live in Staffordshire.

​The scheme has many advantages for couples, for example:
  • All their guests can witness their legal union as well as the content of the Celebrant- led ceremony
  • There is scope for different parts of the ceremony to be held in different locations within the venue, such as outside areas.
  • Couples will know for sure what day to celebrate their anniversary


The scheme will, for the first time, allow marrying couples the opportunity to have their legal formalities conducted within their celebrant-led ceremony.

A combined ceremony weaves a Celebrant led ceremony and the legal and contractual elements together.  Fees are payable to both the Celebrant and Registration service.
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Please refer to the Wedding ceremony section of my website for my fees and other information.
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Advice from Staffordshire Registration Service


​"Your Celebrant will make sure that you are aware of the actions you must take to ensure that your marriage complies with all legal requirements and help you with the process, but your celebrant cannot legally marry you.
 

Booking the legal ceremony
You need to call 0300 111 8001 and speak to the Staffordshire Registration Service to book the time and date that you would like for your ceremony.

Giving Notice of Marriage
Before you can get married, both you are legally required to attend an appointment to give notice in person at your local Register Office. Giving notice is a formal declaration of your intention to marry.
 
At your appointment, the Registrar will see you separately and ask you a series of questions about yourself and each other to ensure that you are free and it is legal for you to marry. You will both need to provide basic personal details such as your names, age, marital status, address, occupation, nationality and the intended venue for your ceremony. You will then sign the notice document detailing the information you have provided.
 
You can book an appointment to give notice online on the ‘Getting Married in Staffordshire’ website on this link: https://www.staffordshirewedding.info/the-ceremony/giving-notice/

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Where to give notice?

If you live in Staffordshire, you will need to give notice at a Staffordshire Registration Office.
If you live outside of Staffordshire, you must give notice at the Registration Office in the district where you have lived for seven full days immediately prior to you giving notice.
 
When to give notice?

You can give notice from 12 months before the date of your marriage and this must be done no later than 28 days prior to your ceremony. Your authority for marriage is valid for 12 months from the date notice is given.
 
You must both have lived in England or Wales for seven full days immediately before you give notice. It doesn't matter if either of you moves to a different address once you have given notice.

You will need to have confirmed your venue before you give notice as your marriage can only take place at the venue you name on your notice of marriage. If you were to change the venue after giving notice, it would be necessary to give notice (and pay the fee) again. Giving notice costs £35 each, and you must both give a separate notice of marriage. If you book an appointment and cannot attend, contact the registration service to get a refund of your giving notice fee.   (Please note: If you have attended your giving notice appointment and later decide to cancel your ceremony, the giving notice fee would not be refunded).
 
You will need to take the following documents:

​Proof of identity:
A valid passport or you can prove your identity with a Birth Certificate.
(Please note: If you were born after 1983 and do not hold a valid UK passport, you will need your full birth certificate and your mother's birth certificate).
 
Proof of address:
You will also need to supply proof of your address by providing one of the following, (which must show full name):
•Valid driving licence.
•Utility bill: Dated no more than 3 months before the date on which notice is given.
•Bank or building society statement or passbook: Dated no more than 1 month before the date on which notice is given.
•Council tax bill: Dated no more than 1 year before the date on which notice is given.
•Mortgage statement: Dated no more than 1 year before the date on which notice is given.
•Current residential tenancy agreement.
•Letter from the owner of the address where you live. This letter must have the owner's full name, address and signature. It must also state that you've lived at the address for 9 days or more.
 
Other documents
If either of you have been married before, you will also need:
•Proof of the termination of your previous marriage by death, divorce or nullity.
•If your divorce papers have not been issued in England or Wales we will need to see the original divorce document and a translation. There may also be a delay in issuing the authority for marriage.
 
If either of you have changed your name legally before such as through deed poll or a solicitor, you will also need proof of name change. If either of you are under 18, you will also need proof that your parents (or legal guardians) agree to the marriage. (If your parents are divorced you may need the court order that gives custody to one of your parents).
 
After you have given notice
Your notices will be displayed on the public notice boards of the Registration Office. If your paperwork is complete and after waiting a clear 28 days, an authority for your marriage will be issued and printed by the Registrar who will be conducting your ceremony. This is a legal document which allows your marriage to take place and is valid for 12 months from the date you gave notice.
 
If either of you is not a European Citizen then you need to give notice at a designated Register Office which can be found on this link: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/lifeevents/marriage/DROs-GOV-UK..pdf"
 
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