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Introduction of the Marriage Schedule System

The introduction of the marriage schedule system

The Marriages, Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Act 2019

The Act will modernise how marriages are registered for the first time since 1837, through issue of a marriage schedule system and registration in an electronic register. It will move away from the current paper register creating a more secure system for keeping marriage records, that is also more efficient and far simpler to administer and amend, if necessary, in the future.

The electronic register will also allow for the names of parents of the couple (mother / father / parent) to be included in the marriage entry and on marriage certificates, instead of only their fathers’ names as is currently the case.

This will be implemented from 4 May 2021.


What will change?

  • Couples will not be invited to sign a marriage register but will be invited to sign a marriage schedule which is an A4 document.
  • Couples will have the option to include up to 4x parents in the schedule and subsequently their marriage certificate i.e. Mother, Father, Stepmother and Stepfather (Step parent).
  • Couples will not receive marriage certificates on the day of the marriage these will be processed in a specified timescale by the Registration Office in business hours for collecting/posting in line with customer choice.

All other processes as required by legislation, such as notice of marriage, the requirement of a Registrar and Celebrant and 2 witnesses remain the same.

If you would like more information on wedding ceremonies in the Guildhall, please contact the Town Clerk.

Published
12 May 2021
Last Updated
12 May 2021
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