The Wedding Guide - Essex...Opening the door to your dreams...

Civil Wedding Essentials :

1. Book your ceremony venue / registery office
2. Provisionally book the Registrar who will conduct your wedding service, (ask your venue if you are not sure which district you will be marrying in.)
3. Give notice of marriage (you can do this up to 12 months before the wedding date. Click here for more details)

Since the law changed in the mid-1990's to allow couples the opportunity to marry in what are called 'approved premises', Essex has become one of the most popular destinations in the country for civil weddings.

You may wish to marry in the district where you and your partner live, but you don't have to. You can choose to marry in any Register Office in England or Wales, or any Approved Premises.With so much choice, where do you begin? Fortunately, Essex Register Offices have something for everyone.If you're planning a simple wedding, we have attractive, contemporary rooms. If you're looking for something more traditional, we've got historic buildings with a wealth of character. If you want a stylish background to your wedding, you'll find something to match your taste.

All our offices give you the opportunity to make a provisional booking for your wedding up to 24 months in advance, which is the earliest you can legally enter your official notice of marriage. A provisional booking can be made simply by telephoning, calling at the office of your choice or by written application.