There is a legal obligation to register births, deaths and marriages.
Births
You must register a baby’s birth within forty two days of the date of birth. This process acts as proof of birth and is required for various purposes, e.g. to claim child benefit; register your baby with a doctor or obtain a passport and so forth.
Deaths
A death should be registered as soon as possible to allow funeral arrangements to go ahead but no later than five days from the date of occurrence except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
We appreciate this can be a very difficult time for family members. To avoid any further distress, please contact us and one of our staff will deal with your enquiry and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Marriage Procedures
The process of recording a marriage will vary depending on whether you have decided to have a religious or civil ceremony. If you are planning a civil ceremony, you should contact the Registrar to ensure their availability and check that the proposed venue is an approved location for wedding ceremonies. If you are having a religious ceremony, contact the Officiant who is to take the service, before completing the notice of marriage.
In both religious and civil ceremonies it is necessary to have two individuals, aged sixteen or over, to be present at the marriage to act as witnesses.
