Your Special Day In Wirral... wirral.gov.uk
Welcome to Your Wirral Registration Service
We would like to welcome you to Wirral Registration Service. We offer ceremonies at both Wallasey Town Hall and Birkenhead Town Hall and a number of approved venues throughout the Borough. Thank you for considering booking your ceremony with us. We look forward to sharing with you and your friends and family the joy and happiness of your special day. This brochure has been designed to give you information on the services we offer and to help you organise and arrange your ceremony with us. We hope that the information we provide will answer all your queries. However, if you do have any concerns or queries do not hesitate to contact us by phone 0151 606 2020, or by email rbdm@wirral.gov.uk. Wirral Register Office is situated within Birkenhead Town Hall in Hamilton Square, one of the finest Georgian squares in the country. Hamilton Square was the dream of William Laird the shipbuilder. He wanted to build the finest square for the town of Birkenhead and the site between Brandon Street and Mortimer Street was earmarked as the site for the Town Hall The building was designed by local architect Charles Ellison in 1882 and was opened to the public in 1886. Wirral Peninsula is the perfect place for your big day. Here you will discover a wide range of licensed wedding venues; from country house hotels to historic buildings in superb settings for your wedding celebrations. All this along with its range of quality accommodation and beautiful coast and countryside, make Wirral an increasingly popular choice for your special day.
wirral.gov.uk
Booking Your Ceremony in Wirral
BOOKING YOUR CEREMONY IN WIRRAL We currently accept provisional marriage and civil partnership booking up to 24 months in advance. To make a provisional booking simply phone the office, if an appointment is available we can provisionally book it for you there and then. In order to secure the booking we charge a non refundable booking fee. This will secure the booking for 3 months from the date notice of marriage can be given. Please be aware that we only offer marriage ceremonies at selected times. These times are set by the Superintendent Registrar.
CHOICE OF CEREMONY We routinely offer all couples a choice of ceremonies (these are located separately
When you arrive, you will be directed to the waiting room at Birkenhead Town Hall
at the rear of this brochure). We are happy for you to amend, insert or re-write
or to a waiting area at Wallasey Town Hall. Prior to the ceremony the registrar will
portions of the ceremony. However, all changes must be submitted for approval
interview both parties privately to check the details to be recorded in the
prior to the ceremony.
register. The Registrar and the Superintendent Registrar will be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Once the details have been checked the guests will be
By law all civil marriage ceremonies must include two legal declarations and must
invited into the Ceremony Room.
not include any religious material. CEREMONY APPOINTMENT TIME YOUR CEREMONY AT BIRKENHEAD & WALLASEY TOWN HALL
At busy times when staff will have other ceremonies to attend on that day all
There is no need to be nervous or worried about the Ceremony. It is quite simple.
ceremonies must start at their allotted time. If couples arrive more than 15 minutes
The experience of the registration staff will smooth the way. For information on
late then their ceremony may be postponed. If guests arrive late we may have to
ceremonies at other Wirral venues, please contact individual establishments
start without them. We are anxious to avoid this situation and want your day to run smoothly so please ensure that everyone arrives promptly 10 minutes before the ceremony time.
wirral.gov.uk
wirral.gov.uk
MUSIC
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS
Background music will be played in the Ceremony Room and the waiting room.
We are happy for one of your guests to video your ceremony. If they can make
If you want to play your own music please ask the registrar who will be happy to
themselves known to us prior to the ceremony we will ensure that they have a
assist. It would be appreciated if all tracks are accommodated on one C.D. if more
suitable position to film from. As the ceremony creates a solemn and binding
than one track is to be played during the ceremony. Please note no religious music
contract between the parties, it is essential that their attention should not be
can be played.
distracted in any way from the meaning and purport of the ceremony. For this reason only one video may be used and the operator must remain stationery throughout.
READINGS We are happy for you to include readings of poetry or prose in your ceremony.
A professional photographer may take photographs during the ceremony by
These can be read by yourselves or one of your party and must not contain any
agreement with the registration staff. However, there will be plenty of opportunity
religious content. Please discuss with the Superintendent Registrar the appropriate
for friends and family to take photographs at the end of the ceremony.
placement of the readings in the ceremony. You may wish to take photographs on the staircases at both Wallasey and ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDE/GROOM
Birkenhead Town Halls (please check with the attendants at both sites prior to
It is traditional for a bride to be given away. We are happy to include this in your
taking photos). Alternatively, you can also take photographs in both Hamilton Square
ceremony. Please ensure that whoever accompanies the bride tells everyone of her
Gardens and on the promenade at Wallasey Town Hall.
arrival and we will ensure that the bridegroom and guests are in the ceremony room prior to her arrival. The registrar will then interview her privately before her entry.
CONFETTI
Same sex couples may also choose for one or both of them to arrive after their guests.
We kindly ask that guests only throw rice or confetti outside the building, as there will be other ceremonies
REGISTRATION OF THE CEREMONY The registration is made when the ceremony is complete.
during the day, and this will keep the premises Your details are
attractive and tidy.
recorded in the marriage register or partnership schedule which you will both be asked to check and sign. Both parties will sign in the name they are using prior to the ceremony. You will need two witnesses to sign the register or schedule. They should be over the age of sixteen and able to understand English and recognise the legality of the ceremony.
wirral.gov.uk
wirral.gov.uk
Creating Your Perfect Day
APPROVED PREMISE CEREMONIES
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO GIVE NOTICE OF MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
Wirral has a number of hotels and venues which have been licensed by the Council
All couples who wish to have a Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership must give notice
for civil and commemorative ceremonies. A list of these is available on our website:
of their intention to marry to their local Superintendent Registrar.
www.wirral.gov.uk. The couple must attend in person, together at their local register office. They must If you are interested in having a ceremony at one of these venues, please contact
produce some form of id preferably a passport. They also need to produce something
them direct to arrange to view the premises and discuss arrangements. You need to
with their name and address on; such as a recent utility bill, bank statement,
liaise with both the venue and the register office to ensure that you obtain the time
driving licence, etc. If either has been married or through a civil partnership before,
and date you want for your ceremony.
evidence of the termination of the marriage or civil partnership such as a decree absolute or death certificate must be produced. If either party is under the age of 18
APPROVED PREMISES CEREMONY APPOINTMENT TIME
or is a foreign national subject to immigration control please phone 0151 606 2020
At Approved Premises, especially at busy times when staff will have other ceremonies
for further information. ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE ORIGINAL NOT PHOTOCOPIES.
to attend on that day all ceremonies must start at their allotted time. If couples arrive more than 15 minutes late then their ceremony may be postponed. If guests
The notice is then displayed at the register office
arrive late we may have to start without them. We are anxious to avoid this situation
for a period of 28 days after which the marriage
and want your day to run smoothly so please ensure that everyone arrives promptly.
authorities are issued providing no legal objection to the marriage has been raised. The maximum time
FINALISING YOUR APPROVED PREMISE CEREMONY
couples can give notice is 12 months in advance
Approximately 6 weeks before your ceremony we will write to you at your home
and the minimum time is 28 days before the
address. We will confirm the venue, date and time of your wedding and will enclose
marriage takes place.
a marriage proforma which we would ask you to complete and send back to us with details of your proposed ceremony. We will also ask you to pay the balance of your marriage fee at least 4 weeks before the marriage date. This can be paid by cheque, cash or by credit or debit card over the phone.
wirral.gov.uk
wirral.gov.uk
YOU AND YOUR GUESTS
Wirral also has a great selection of casual dining options, providing the highest
GETTING TO WIRRAL
Your guests are a very big part of your day and you will want to consider them when
quality produce and experience, including informal restaurants, great gastro pubs,
Set between the Mersey and the Dee Rivers, with spectacular views of Liverpool
choosing your venue. Here are some useful things to know about Wirral:
indulgent afternoon treats, charming picnic spots and some fantastic Wirral drinking
waterfront and North Wales, getting to Wirral has never been easier.
venues to enjoy a night out with family and friends. ACCOMMODATION
Just 45 minutes from both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports and with
Wirral accommodation includes some award winning hotels, bed and breakfasts and
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WIRRAL
excellent motorway access, Wirral peninsula has superb transport and travel links,
self catering. Whether it is a coast, countryside or town setting you are looking for,
With 50 miles of beautiful walks, 22 miles of breathtaking coastline, and award
making it accessible to all that visit, including Merseytravel for travel by train and
you will find it here.
winning attractions, your guests will have plenty to discover while on a break in
bus, Mersey Ferries and National Express coaches.
Wirral. There are also numerous cycle routes and golf courses along with many FOOD & DRINK
other active things to do. Guests are spoilt for choice with picturesque villages,
Wirral is also easily reached by road. The M53 motorway forms the spine of Wirral,
Regardless of budget, or taste, there is a variety of great restaurants in Wirral.
including Port Sunlight, and seaside towns like West Kirby with beaches offering
running from the North to the South. The M53 connects to the M56, which in turn
The area is fast gaining a reputation for excellent restaurants, and leading the
stunning views.
meets the M6.
rejuvenated food and drink scene in Wirral is Fraiche, Merseyside’s only Michelin starred restaurant, among others recognised in The Good Food Guide.
You & Your Guests
wirral.gov.uk
For further information please see visitwirral.com
wirral.gov.uk
Hulme hall
Krugers Jewellers Bespoke jewellery designed and handmade, repairs, alterations and remodels
Hulme Hall is a licensed wedding venue and offers the ideal choice of setting for your wedding reception. Set in the unique and picturesque village of Port Sunlight, the charm of the hall & village is unrivalled.The size our four function rooms means all numbers can be catered for. Our extensive menus are individually priced. An opportunity to enjoy your special day in beautiful, idyllic surroundings.
0151 644 8797 www.hulmehall.com Email: enquiries@hulmehall.com
Telephone: 0151 639 4431 info@krugerjewellers.co.uk Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:30am-5pm
Leasowe Castle Hotel is a unique grade II listed building overlooking the stunning Wirral coastline and Leasowe Golf Course. Set amongst beautiful, tranquil gardens it offers a peaceful retreat that caters to all your wedding needs in one location. With easy access to the glorious Cheshire countryside, whether you would like a simple wedding reception or a full wedding service, we can provide everything you need to create your perfect day.
0151 60 66 001
www.leasowecastle.com - weddings@leasowecastle.com
We are very grateful to the businesses whose advertisements appear in this publication. As a mark of our gratitude we would like to draw the attention of the readers to their details and announcements. We are required to make it clear however that neither Excellmedia nor the distributor can accept responsibility for any services or workmanship that they may undertake.
Telephone: 08450 707040 | www.excell-media.co.uk admin@excell-media.co.uk This brochure was produced by excellmedia The Barn at Westwinds, Bank Lane, Warton, Preston PR4 1AT
Wirral Weddings Tel: (0151) 666 2020 Wallasey Town Hall Brighton Street Wallasey Wirral CH44 8ED
wirral.gov.uk