When do you think registry office weddings will be allowed again?

[plainflower]

Just as the title says really. We would like to get married next month or In July. Do you think registry office weddings will be allowed to go ahead by then? If so, how does it work in terms of giving notice of marriage? Could we do that now? Thanks all x

[Sjjr23]

My registry office has confirmed max numbers includes 2 x Registrars, legal wording only, and 1 picture only

[Satanet]

I have heard nothing yet. Tried asking if we could book for end of July even and they said too soon to be able to tell. Its maddening. Plancina I think yours will go ahead as I think they are going to give priority to the ones already booked in and people like me who were cancelled will be slotted in wherever poss. Are any of you in Wales?

[RedRed9]

My registry office called and said they’re allowing small ceremonies from 1st August.

[Satanet]

RedRed 9 that is progress indeed...Great news

[Satanet]

The Newport registry office state they aren't ringing anyone. If you want to rebook watch our website for changes and then ring us is the line...All a bit vague

[Plancina]

We are going ahead, we are allowed 10 guests and a ceremony with readings but no singing. Fingers crossed...

[Maybenexttime10]

Mines still saying they are waiting for government clarification, wish they would hurry up and decide

[Satanet]

Thats exactly what mine says. Seeking urgent clarification...from government and register office general. Someone really needs to do something. Its not good enough and the best part is, they have our money in advance

[Plancina]

This means the registrar doesn’t want to open and is delaying. Unacceptable in my opinion - marriage is a civil right. They’ve been marrying people in Northern Ireland for almost a month!

[Satanet]

I totally agree. I did debate giving notice elsewhere but my other half said lets give them until mid July. If no response then we will do that but we shouldnt have to. Its like they are playing with peoples lives

[SureTry]

My registry office put an update on their website saying they are still awaiting government guidelines and once those are received, they will reopen 14 days later. Think mine will be cancelled again. Oh well, it'll only be the 5th attempt to get married, been trying since April.

[Photosofyou]

We are going ahead for mid-july.
However the stipulations feel insulting when people are happily pissing about in Primark

This is the email we received, we also have to fill out a form regarding all personal details of our 2 guests and photographer.

The maximum number of people you can have for the ceremony room is six. This will include the couple, two witnesses and two additional guests (This number includes babies and children and official photographer). Please note for social distancing purposes NO additional guests will be allowed. You will need to provide us with a list of your four guests in advance of the ceremony. This number has been put in place following the risk assessment carried out by our health and safety team and takes into account a number of factors including signing paperwork during the ceremony and the current strict social distancing rules.

We are offering a shortened ceremony so we can not include any readings or personal vows. You will not be able to make an entrance into the ceremony room and couples will be interviewed together before the ceremony/formation.

A selection of classical music can be played during the signing of the register. This will be from a CD operated by our staff. We are unable to play any music choices provided by couples.


Now I understand we are in a lock-down but it seems so strange weddings are getting such severe stipulations when everyone is off to the beach or protesting and the gov says nothing.

[Plancina]

It is ridiculous, also totally different rules for church weddings which can have 30 guests, which is clearly discrimination.

[Satanet]

Absolutely agree...What can we do...If I thought I could launch legal action I would but I fear being put to the back of the queue....You cant win. They hold all the power

[Photosofyou]

And I think we've been quite lucky with being allowed to do this. However it does feel extremely bittersweet.
I feel quite sad because it is so over the top.
It is discrimination and it seems to differ depending on your council and where you are.
Just praying there won't be a local lock down where we are.

I don't understand how churches can have 30 people and we are allowed 4 max.
No music,
we've had to sign something to say we want to exchange rings ffs!!!!
All that means is my partner will have mine and I will have his and we'll place them on our fingers

[SureTry]

The whole thing just seems to be made up as they go along. I told my DP it's just embarrassing now, we haven't bothered to tell friends and family the date of our wedding as we've had it cancelled so many times.

[Photosofyou]

SureTry gosh I feel exactly the same :(
I thought I would be a little more happy but actually it feels insulting.
I know it's not ideal but to make us feel like cattle in out as quickly as possible it ridiculous. I feel very much like we're causing havoc. If they're this worried don't open up!
The form I have had to fill in in such a jobsworth. Actually nothing useful at all just a form filling exercise, no idea what it's for or the point of it.

Also one reading, what the hell is the issue with that?!! I am really angry with how this has been handled. Yes we need to be careful but it seems like no one has the first clue so just putting in ridiculous rules to make themselves feel better.

We have are doing the wedding next year having cancelled 3 times, we're sending out invites again and I just feel sick of it and worried guests will just be fed up with another change

Sorry for the rant.

[AlbusSeverusMalfoy]

We were due to get married next month. We postponed to a date in 3 months time. We have to give 'fresh notice' but the registry offices haven't said when they will open to do this. We are hoping they will open on or soon after 4th July. And then guildlines will change by new wedding date so we can have a bit more of a proper wedding.

[Satanet]

I think this is how it will be until at least the end of the year, rules wise. Massively unfair to have to give fresh notice too when the cancellation/delay wasnt your fault. Bristol registry office I looked at and I think they will be open first

[Photosofyou]

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53232963

[SureTry]

Rant away Photosofyou I think it's shocking that Notices have not been extended. Is it really too hard to give everyone an extra 6 months or waive the fee?

[Photosofyou]

Thank you SureTry
I totally agree! They should allow an extra 12 months on notices.
The gov don't care, and they also know most couples want to get married so will pay again for the notices.
They put extensions on MOT's because it is clearly dangerous to drive without passing your MOT whereas marriage notices and ceremonies, well who cares!
Yet ironically the stipulations surrounding ceremonies is beyond ridiculous.

[AlbusSeverusMalfoy]

@Satanet

I think this is how it will be until at least the end of the year, rules wise. Massively unfair to have to give fresh notice too when the cancellation/delay wasnt your fault. Bristol registry office I looked at and I think they will be open first

Yep. We are a few days over with our new date so have to pay again. Ill unhappily do that bit again if it means we can get married.

[Plancina]

Why do you have to wash your hands before exchanging rings?! That’s insane, most couples are surely one household already?

[SureTry]

I read that they want you to wash your hands before and after exchanging rings. How exactly will that work during a ceremony? I wouldn't be surprised if registry offices decide you can't do rings at all whilst in their building 🙄