Civil Ceremony
If you wish to marry by civil ceremony, that is at a register office or other building approved for civil marriage, you should first contact the superintendent registrar of the district where you wish to marry.  You may marry at any register office or approved premises of your choice in England or Wales.  However, for a marriage in an approved premises, you will also need to make arrangements at the venue in question.  In addition you will both need to personally give a formal notice of marriage to the superintendent registrar of the district(s) where you live.

Church of England or Church in Wales
If you wish to be married in the Church of England or Church in Wales - and generally you will be able to do so only if you or your partner live in the parish - you should first speak to the Vicar.  If he is able to marry you, he will arrange for the Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common licence to be issued.  The marriage will also be registered by the Vicar and there is generally  no need to involve the local superintendent registrar.

Other Places of Religious Worship
If you wish to marry by religious ceremony other than in the Church of England or Church in Wales you should first arrange to see the minister or other person in charge of marriages at the building (a licence is needed by a minister, proprietor or trustee of a place of worship to become a place where marriages can take place). The Church or religious building in question must normally be in the registration district where you or your partner live.  It will also be necessary for both of you to give formal notice of marriage to the superintendent registrar of the district(s) where you live.  A registrar may also need to be booked.

For more information or enquiries please contact registrars@sunderland.gov.uk or telephone 0191 520 5509

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last updated 19/12/07