A to Z of services: Marriage - registering a building of worship

Hartlepool Borough Council may approve and grant a licence to minister, proprietor or trustee of a place of worship to become a place where marriages can take place.

To apply for a building to be certified as a place of worship you need to complete two forms. These are Forms 76, and can be obtained from the Superintendent Registrar of Hartlepool register office.

The forms can be signed by anyone who represents the congregation.

There is a fee, and a floor plan of the building, together with an average weekly timetable of religious and other activities must be supplied.

If your building is certified as a place of worship you may be entitled to a reduction in or exemption from council tax.

Registering buildings for marriages

Before any marriage can be solemnized, the building must also be certified as a place of worship. The two applications can be made at the same time. You need to complete two Forms 78, which can be obtained from the Superintendent Registrar.

These must be signed by 20 householders who use the building as their usual place of worship. The forms must be countersigned by a trustee or the proprietor of the building. There is a fee.