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Registration of marriages

If you live in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, are not subject to immigration control, and are planning to get married, you will need to get Certificates of Authority for your marriage from this office. If you are subject to immigration control please see the designated register office page.

Without these Certificates, the marriage is not legal.

If you are planning to marry in another country, see our Certificate of no Impediment page.

How to get the Certificate of Authority

  • You can give notice up to one year before the ceremony, but not less than 17 days before
  • Both the man and woman must attend the Register Office in the district where they live. They will need to pay £30 each

Documents you will need to produce when giving notice (all must be originals)

Each person will need to prove their nationality and bring in:

  • A passport, or full British birth certificate, or European Identity Card.
  • Two proofs of address, such as Driving Licence or utility bill.

If you have been previously married, but are now widowed or divorced:

  • A decree absolute, or death certificate. If any of these are in a foreign language, then a translation must be provided.
  • If your previous marriage was annulled we may also need to see your decree nisi.

If you have ever changed your name:

  • The change of name documents.

Your notice of intent to marry is then displayed in the Register Office for a 17 day period, after which you can collect the Certificate. If you are getting married at a place of religious worship, for example a Roman Catholic Church or a Synagogue, you will need to give the Certificate to the Minister before the date of the ceremony.

If you are getting married in a Register Office or licensed venue outside the borough, you will need to give the certificate to the local Registrar for the district of the venue.

If you live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and are being married at 1 Spring Terrace, or a Richmond licensed venue, the Registrar will issue and keep the Certificate.