Getting Married
This page provides information for anyone who is planning to get married in Bridgend County Borough. See also:
- Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates at Bridgend Register Office,
- Places Where You Can Get Married,
- Marriage Checklist.
We’re planning on getting married. Where do we start?
Does it cost anything to get married?
How soon can we give notice that we intend to get married?
So where can we get married in Bridgend County Borough, then?
What if we decide to change the marriage venue after we have given notice?
What about getting married abroad?
How soon after giving notice can we get married?
Will we need to bring any documents with us to register?
What if one of us has been married before?
What if I’ve changed my name in the past?
Who will preside over our marriage service?
After we are married, how do we change our name and address?
Any tips about organising a wedding?
How do I contact Bridgend Register Office?
We’re planning on getting married. Where do we start?
Congratulations! The first thing you need to do is take care of a few legal issues. Unless you are marrying in the Church of England or Church in Wales by banns or common licence, notice of marriage has to be given by each of you personally to the superintendent registrar at your local register office.
You must both have lived in a registration district in England or Wales for at least seven days immediately prior to giving notice at the register office. If you both live within the same district, you will each need to give notice at the same office. However, if you live in different registration districts, you will both have to give notice separately within your own areas.
Does it cost anything to get married?
Yes – a charge of £33.50 per person is necessary when you give notice of marriage. Later, if you get married at the register office, another fee of £43.50 will be payable on the day. However, a marriage at any of the approved premises in Bridgend County Borough will incur a fee to the proprietors of those premises and for the attendance of the registration officers as follows:
- £240.00 if you get married between Monday – Friday
- £260.00 if you get married on a Saturday
- £299.00 if you get married on Sundays or bank holidays
- £3.50 to cover the cost of the marriage certificate
A marriage at a place of religious worship such as a church may incur a fee to the minister of the building. This is variable – ask the minister of the building you choose to get married in for more details. Remember that a marriage in the Church of England or Church in Wales does not generally involve the Register Office.
Please note that the above fees are subject to review.
How soon can we give notice that we intend to get married?
A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months. This means that you can’t give notice of marriage to a superintendent registrar more than 12 months before the date of your wedding.
Please note that notices are taken strictly by appointment – telephone 01656 642391 to arrange.
So where can we get married in Bridgend County Borough?
View a full list of premises and locations where you can get married in Bridgend County Borough.
What if we decide to change the marriage venue after we have given notice?
A notice of marriage is valid only for the venue name on that notice. It may be possible to alter the date of your marriage (provided it is before the expiry date), but a change of location will require a fresh notice and fee.
What about getting married abroad?
If you decide to do this, you will need to check that any marriage carried out in a foreign country will still be recognised back here in the UK. Contact Bridgend Register Office for more details.
How soon after giving notice can we get married?
After giving notice, you must wait at least fifteen clear days before the marriage can take place. You must also both have marriage authorisation from the superintendent registrar issued on or before the day of marriage. For further information on getting married in England and Wales, go to the General Register Office
Will we need to bring any documents with us to register?
Yes – by law, you will need to confirm your name, age, marital status and nationality before you can get register to get married. To do this you should bring along the following:
- a current valid full passport or birth certificate
- a bank book/statement or council tax invoice, utility bill, etc.
What if one of us has been married before?
If one of you has been widowed, you will need to bring the death certificate of your former spouse. If divorced, you should bring a decree absolute bearing the court’s original stamp.
What if I’ve changed my name in the past?
If you have changed name, simply bring along your deed poll documents.
And should I bring anything else if I am aged under 18?
Yes – if you are under 18 years old, you will need a completed parental consent form.
Who will preside over our marriage service?
A superintendent registrar will carry out your marriage service.
After we are married, how do we change our name and address?
Make sure you inform everybody – remember to contact not just your family and friends, but the local council, water, gas and electricity firms, banks, passport, DVLA, doctors, dentists, financial firms that you have any business with, catalogue companies, national insurance and so on.
Any tips about organising a wedding?
Visit our marriage checklist for some useful hints and reminders.
How do I contact Bridgend Register Office?
You can write to us, send us an email or apply in person at the register office during opening hours – the contact details are as follows:
Bridgend Register Office
Ty'r Ardd
Sunnyside
Bridgend
CF31 4AR
Tel: (01656) 642391
Fax: (01656) 642389
Email: registrar@bridgend.gov.uk
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm
- Last Updated: 29/06/2011
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