1 Ceremony types
Marriage
Marriage is available to heterosexual and same-sex couples in both religious and licensed non-religious venues. There are also options for bespoke marriages if a couple wishes to hold a ceremony at a place that is special to them.
A non-religious ceremony is called a civil marriage. It is conducted by a superintendent registrar and registered by the Registrar of Marriages. Marriage certificates are issued and specify the father's name of each partner.
A civil marriage ceremony cannot have any religious content, but individual touches can be added, such as non-religious music and readings. We will do all we can to make your special day a happy and memorable occasion.
Marriage ceremonies at religious venues
Ceremonies with religious elements may only take place in religious venues. Further information is available on our ceremonies at religious venues page.
Civil partnership
A civil partnership is a way for couples, both heterosexual and same-sex, to have their union legally recognised by the signing of a schedule in front of a registrar and two witnesses.
A ceremony and legal vows are not required, however couples are able to arrange a bespoke ceremony if they wish, either at the same time as the legal element at one of our approved venues and ceremony rooms or on another day. The ceremony can be catered to the couple's requirements.
Civil partnership certificates show both parents of each partner.
It is important to note that marriage is accepted as legally binding all over the world, whereas civil partnership is not recognised in some countries. You may need to consider the impact it could have upon travel or living arrangements.
Civil partnership ceremonies at religious venues
Ceremonies with religious elements may only take place in religious venues. Further information is available on our ceremonies at religious venues page.
Conversion of civil partnership to marriage
Full information regarding the conversion of a civil partnership to a marriage can be found on the convert your civil partnership to a marriage page.
You may choose to change your name after the ceremony, but this is not a legal requirement.
2 Where to hold the ceremony
The ceremony can take place at either:
- an approved venue licensed for civil ceremonies
- our ceremony rooms
- a religious venue.
3 Legal requirements
Firstly, check if you can get married or form a civil partnership. If you can, there are legal requirements that must be taken into account when planning your ceremony.
All couples will need to:
- give notice of their intent to marry - this must be completed before the ceremony
- have two witnesses present at the ceremony who must be old enough to understand the purpose of the ceremony and the English language - if you wish to have more witnesses as part of your ceremony choices, this can be arranged in advance
- sign the schedule (using their name as it is at the time of the ceremony). This is entered online within seven days of the ceremony, when legal certificates are produced and sent.
You may also need to:
- bring a translator to both your notice appointment and ceremony if English is not your first language and you are unable to understand legal questioning in English
- re-register your child's birth if you have children together - legally, a child's birth must be re-registered if the parents have married or become civil partners since the birth. Information about how this is done can be found on our Re-register a birth page.
Changing your name
You may choose to change your name after the ceremony, but this is not a legal requirement.
You can find guidance on changing your name by deed poll, and changing your name on your passport before your marriage ceremony.
The superintendent registrar will need to sign your application for a new passport. This can be done when your notice of marriage has taken place, either by attending the West Sussex Register Office at Crawley or sending the form to the Ceremonies Team at the Crawley office for it to be completed and returned to you. There is no charge for this service.
Outdoor ceremonies
Since 1 July 2021, legislation has changed to allow ceremonies outside, provided:
- they are designated areas within the grounds of an approved licensed venue
- the venue has obtained prior approval from the Registration Service that the intended area meets the criteria laid out in the legislation.
Not all venues have suitable outside areas and there is no obligation for venues to offer this.
Previously approved buildings in the grounds can still be used as they still count as an approved building.