There are many places where you can get married or form a civil partnership, and different types of ceremonies to choose from.
What type of ceremony can we have?
You can choose to:
- get married, or
- form a civil partnership
Learn more about the differences between marriage and civil partnership on GOV.UK
Hartlepool Registration Service cannot provide legal or financial advice. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, please seek independent legal or financial advice.
Where can we have our ceremony?
Religious building
You can get married in a religious building that is registered for marriage. Some venues may have restrictions, so check with the person in charge.
- most religious venues have an authorised person to conduct the ceremony.
- if not, you must book a registrar from the local registration district.
Register office
You can have a civil marriage or civil partnership ceremony at any register office in England or Wales.
Approved premises
You can also have a civil ceremony at any venue licensed to hold marriages or civil partnerships.
Outside England and Wales
Ceremony rules vary by country.
Find out more about getting married outside England and Wales
How soon can we have a ceremony?
Before your ceremony, you must complete the legal requirements.
For ceremonies in England and Wales visit our Giving notice of intention page.
Ceremony venues in Hartlepool
How much does it cost?
View marriage and civil partnership fees
What will our ceremony include?
Civil partnership (no ceremony)
You can choose to sign the partnership document without a ceremony. No words are required to be spoken. This takes place in the Civic Suite.
Marriage or civil partnership ceremony
Your ceremony will include:
- a welcome and introduction
- legal declarations
- signing of the schedule
- time for photographs
If your ceremony is at the Middlegate Room or a licensed venue, you can personalise your ceremony using our ceremony choices form. The link to the ceremony choices form is emailed to you one month prior to your ceremony.
How do we book?
Book a marriage or civil partnership ceremony
How far in advance can we book?
- licensed venues - up to 2 years in advance
- Civic Suite and Middlegate Room - up to 1 year in advance