Getting married
Information about getting married at Southampton Register Office.
Contact Details:
Address: The Register Office,
6a Bugle Street,
Southampton
Postcode: SO14 2LX
Telephone: 023 8091 5327
Email: registrars@southampton.gov.uk
Details of service:
Where can I have a civil marriage ceremony?
A civil ceremony can take place in a register office or other building licensed for marriage ceremonies within England and Wales. The ceremony is conducted by a superintendent registrar and a registrar.
How much does it cost to get married?
The legal preliminaries to all civil (and some church) marriages requires both bride and groom to give a 'Notice of Marriage'. There is a charge for this of £30 each.
What are the legal preliminaries?
Before you can get married there is a legal requirement for you both to attend in person to give a notice of marriage at the register office in the district where you live (except if you are marrying in the Church of England or Church in Wales and the vicar is calling banns). You will need to make an appointment with the Superintendent Registrar to give your notice of marriage.
What will I need to take with me?
When you go to see the Superintendent Registrar to give notice of marriage you will each need to take the following.
Where do I give my notice of Marriage?
You give your notice of marriage at the Register Office in the district where you have your usual residence. If you live in the city of Southampton that will be at the Register Office. If you are not sure which is your local Register Office we can advise you. If you are a Foreign National and are subject to immigration control different rules apply. Please contact the Register Office for advice.
How far ahead can I Book my Wedding?
You can make a provisional booking to get married at Southampton Register Office as far ahead as our diary goes, which is usually about two years. You can do this by contacting us by phone, fax or email, giving us your names, contact details and the date you wish to marry.
I am a foreign national, can I marry in the UK?
There are new rules for getting married in the UK, if either of you are subject to immigration control while in the UK.
How can I get married in church?
A religious ceremony can take place in a church, chapel or other building of religious worship. The Service is conducted by the minister in accordance with the religious rites and ceremonies of the premises.
Can I get married abroad?
If you would like to get married abroad different rules apply. For more information see General Register Office. Further information is also available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by telephone on 020 7270 1500 between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm (or see the external link on this page).
How do I change my name after marriage?
It is traditional (but not compulsory) for a woman to change her name after marriage.
Other useful information
There are several useful websites for finding information when planning for your big day. Please see the external links.
Last updated: 26 June 2008
