County buildings FAQs
Frequently asked questions – Marriage and Civil Partnerships
I have booked my venue; how do I book a registrar to attend?
If you'd like to enquire regarding booking a registrar at an approved venue in Shropshire, please let us know which venue you have booked followed by a date and time that would be preferable to you. You can contact us on 0345 678 9016 or registrars@shropshire.gov.uk
I want to get married at the Register Office; how do I go about this?
We have two ceremony rooms available, these are Shirehall and Castle View.
Shrewsbury (Shirehall) holds 32 including the couple and is available to book Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays only.
Oswestry (Castle View) holds 50 including the couple and is available every day for ceremonies.
If you'd like to book one of these rooms then please call us on 0345 678 9016
What are the different types of ceremonies?
Traditional
This includes a choice of declaratory and contracting words, 2 short readings, 3 pieces of music and traditional civil vows.
Enhanced
An enhanced ceremony includes a choice of declaratory and contracting words, 2 short readings, 3 pieces of music, traditional civil vows, a 30-minute enhanced ceremony, designed with you and written for you, this can include personal vows also. This will cost an additional fee of £200.
Enhanced Bespoke
An enhanced bespoke ceremony allows a choice of declaratory and contracting words, 2 short readings, 3 pieces of music, traditional civil vows, a ceremony of up to an hour, and appropriate additions from your family and friends. You will also be offered your pre-ceremony interview over the phone up to 1 week before the Big Day. If you would like to choose a bespoke option please let us know 12 months in advance. This will cost an additional fee of £400.
How can I pay for my wedding/civil partnership ceremony?
You are able to pay for your ceremony via the telephone or by BACS. If you would like to pay over the phone, please call us on 0345 678 9016. If you would prefer to pay by BACS, please email us at registrars@shropshire.gov.uk for more information.
Can I pay for the ceremony on the day?
No, you are unable to pay for your ceremony on the day. You must pay your ceremony 3 months before the date of your ceremony. Payment can be made via the telephone on 0345 678 9016 or by BACS, please email for details.
How do I complete my ceremony planner?
Once you've attended your notice of marriage appointment, you will be provided with a ceremony planner form. This allows the registrars who are doing your ceremony be aware of your choices before hand and adjust their scripts accordingly. We request you return your wedding planner 2 months before your ceremony, along with any readings you wish to include so that they can be checked and approved by a deputy superintendent registrar to avoid any disappointment on the day. These can either be emailed to us via this email address or can be posted to us at the address below.
How much does it cost to get married or register a civil partnership?
Please see our fees information pages for more information on pricing.
Is there parking at the Register Office?
Yes, at Shirehall parking can be found outside the Register Office, this is the courts side of the Shirehall.
The closest parking at Castle View can be found in the Pay and Display close by on the market.
Do I need to bring any ID or documentation with me on the day of the ceremony?
No, we don’t need to see any ID or documentation on the day of the ceremony. The only time we would need to see documentation would be if you’ve legally changed your name between your giving notice appointment and the day of the ceremony.
What time should I arrive at the Register Office?
On the day of the ceremony, we ask that you and your guests arrive 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
If you and your partner are arriving separately and don’t wish to be seen by each other before the start of the ceremony, then we advise that one of you arrives 30 minutes before the ceremony and the other 15 minutes before the ceremony to allow the registrar too to go through the ceremony with each of you.
Can I arrive late for my ceremony?
Unfortunately, if you arrive late for your ceremony then the registrars will not be to do your ceremony. Due to other ceremonies potentially taking place the same day, the ceremony must start on time so that later ceremonies are not affected.
Where do we go when we arrive for a ceremony at Shirehall (Shrewsbury) / Castle View (Oswestry)?
Shirehall
When you arrive for a ceremony at Shirehall then please enter the register office reception. Please make the receptionist aware you are here for a ceremony. They will show you the waiting room where you can put your car registration in to allow parking.
Castle View
When you arrive at for a ceremony at Castle View, take the path to the left of the library. At the end of the path there are double doors which will be open to allow guests inside. The registrars will be waiting for your arrival.
How long does the ceremony last?
A ceremony usually lasts around 25 /30 minutes after the start time.
Who can be witnesses?
The couple getting married or forming a civil partnership must nominate two people to be witnesses to sign the schedule. Anyone can be a witness, as long as they can understand what they are witnessing. We advise they can understand English well and are above the age of 16, however this is not set in law.
Do I need to advise the registrar if I want to take my married name after the ceremony?
It is only a tradition to change a surname after marriage, not a legal requirement. The marriage certificate will have the surname which you entered your contact of marriage in. The surname you choose to use after the marriage is entirely personal choice.
How do I make a correction to the marriage certificate once I’ve received it?
If you find a mistake on the marriage certificate once you’ve received it, then you will have to apply for a legal correction to be made. To do this you would need to contact us on 0345 678 9016 or registrars@shropshire.gov.uk. There is a fee of £90 for all applications.
What music formats can be used in the ceremony room?
At both our ceremony rooms available, Shirehall and Castle View, we have a blue tooth speaker that can connect to a mobile device and allow you to play music. Please be aware that you must nominate one of your guests to have the music ready on a mobile device, the registrar can then guide them when to play the music and when to stop it.
Can we say our own vows?
We're able to offer all couples a choice of declaratory and contracting words. These can be found on our website.
If you do wish to have personalised vows, these can be part of our enhanced ceremony at an additional cost of £200. Please contact us via registrars@shropshire.gov.uk if you would like to upgrade.
Can we decorate the ceremony room?
Both our ceremony rooms are already decorated for ceremonies. We are unable to allow couples to change the lay out of the ceremony room.
Is there wheelchair access to the ceremony rooms?
Yes there is wheelchair access to both our ceremony rooms in Shirehall (Shrewsbury) and Castle View (Oswestry).
Can we throw confetti?
Confetti can be thrown on the steps outside the Register Office. We do ask for the confetti to be biodegradable. We are unable to supply confetti at the registry office so you must bring your own if this is something you would like.
How many guests can I invite to my ceremony?
Our ceremony rooms are limited on numbers. Shrewsbury (Shirehall) holds 32 including the couple and Oswestry (Castle View) holds 50 including the couple.
These numbers also include, photographers, videographers, children and babies.
Are we able to view the ceremony room before our ceremony?
Yes, you are able to come and view the ceremony room before your ceremony. If this is something that you would like to do then please contact us on registrars@shrosphire.gov.uk and we can advise you further.
Can we bring our dog to the wedding ceremony?
Unfortunately, we're unable to allow dogs within the Register Office building. The only dogs we are able to allow within the registry office are guide dogs or service dogs. If you're attending with a dog, then please advise us on registrars@shropshire.gov.uk
Can I change my surname in my passport before my marriage or civil partnership?
Yes, you are able to change your surname up to 3 months before your marriage or civil partnership ceremony.
To do this you will need you to fill out a PD2 form. This must then be posted to us, we cannot accept a digital copy, along with a contact number for yourself.
There is also a £25 charge for this to be completed. Once we have received the documentation we will contact you via the telephone number you provide to take payment. If you also include a stamped addressed envelope with the form then we can send your half of the documentation back to you for you to then attach to your passport application. If you require a copy of the correct form the please email us at registrars@shropshire.gov.uk
When will I receive my certificate?
You'll receive your certificates in seven to 14 days after your ceremony. Please note: you will not receive these on the day but will receive an acknowledgment your ceremony took place on the day, this is not a legal document.