Guide to the Registration of Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Guildhall’s Main Staircase Courtesy of www.imagesbygeorge.co.uk 07783882537
Welcome The Staff at the District Registrar’s Office would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your forthcoming celebration and to extend our best wishes to you both for your future together. We are available to discuss any aspect of your legal preliminaries to Marriage and Civil Partnership and guide you in planning your personal and unique Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership Ceremony.
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Ceremonies are carried out during the following times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If you would like to make an enquiry please ring 028 7126 8439, email registrarsoffice@derrycity.gov.uk or visit during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies You may choose to have a Civil or Religious Ceremony within the District. Civil Marriage and Civil Partnership Ceremonies can take place in the District Registrar’s Office or in an Approved Place which has been approved by the Council. There are many beautiful locations with stunning surroundings throughout the District for you to enjoy. The current approved places are listed in this brochure. Civil Ceremonies can also take place in a venue of your choice, which has been approved by Council, i.e. your home, garden, marquee, etc. Staff can advise you of the application process and fee.
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Civil Ceremonies are performed by the District Registrar/Deputy District Registrar. Whether you are having an intimate gathering or the largest of celebrations, staff will assist you in planning your Ceremony to ensure that your Ceremony is perfect leaving you with memories to treasure. The style of the Ceremony is chosen by you; it may be informal or formal, include music, a formal entrance at the beginning of the ceremony, candle lighting and readings with a formal greeting of guests at the end of the Ceremony as they leave the room.
Religious Marriages Religious Marriage Ceremonies mostly take place in a Church, Chapel or other Building of Worship. Services are performed by a Religious Officiant according to the relevant tradition.
preferably no later than eight weeks before the date and NOT LATER THAN 14 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE MARRIAGE. A fee is payable for giving notice of marriage.
If you plan to have a religious marriage you may obtain two Marriage Notice Application Forms, either from the Registrar’s Office or download at www.nidirect.gov.uk A Religious marriage must be solemnised by a Religious Officiant authorised under the Marriage (Northern Ireland) Order 2003. You should contact an Officiant to confirm that s/he is willing to solemnise your marriage. The Officiant must sign at least one of the Marriage Notice Application Forms before they are submitted (with relevant documents – please see legal preliminaries and registration section) to the Registrar’s Office in the District where the marriage is to take place. Marriage Notice must be given in the twelve month period prior to the date of the marriage but
Although you do not need to visit the Registrar’s Office to submit your Marriage Notice, either the bride or groom must attend before the date of your Marriage to collect the Marriage Schedule. The Marriage Schedule must then be given to the Religious Officiant before the date of your Marriage. Immediately after the Ceremony the Marriage Schedule must be signed by both spouses, by the person solemnising the Marriage and the two witnesses. Thereafter you must arrange for it to be returned to the District Registrar’s Office within three working days so that the Marriage can be registered. Your Marriage Certificate is then available for a small fee from the Registrar’s Office.
Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Documents required When delivering or posting the Marriage/Civil Partnership Notice Forms to the Registrar’s Office each party must submit the following documents: • F ull birth certificate – long version (if you were born outside the UK, provide the certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the appropriate authority of that country and your passport or national identity card) • If divorced – Original Divorce Decree Absolute • If widowed – Death Certificate of Previous Spouse • Passport • I f you are a National of an EEA Country, provide your passport or National Identity Card • All other nationalities, please provide your passport • I f you DO NOT HAVE A PASSPORT, contact the District Registrar/Deputy District Registrar to determine other acceptable documentation • I f any document is in a language other than English, you must provide a certified translation into English • Current Fee, (staff will advise).
Legal Preliminaries and Registration of Marriage/Civil Partnership Legal preliminaries apply equally to both parties in that each person must complete a Marriage/Civil Partnership Notice Application Form and submit to the Registrar’s Office no later than fourteen days before the Marriage/Civil Partnership Ceremony with relevant documents and fees. The Registrar needs to see documents that confirm your age, nationality, identity and marital status.
Marriage/Civil Partnership Schedule When the Registrar is satisfied that there is no legal impediment to the Marriage/Civil Partnership, s(he) will prepare a Marriage/Civil Partnership Schedule from the information you have given. It is a most important document – no Marriage or Civil Partnership can proceed without the Schedule. If you are a having a Civil Marriage/Civil Partnership the Registrar will not issue the Schedule to you in advance, but it will be available at the Ceremony for signature, and s(he) will subsequently register the Marriage/Civil Partnership. Your Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate will then be available from the Registrar’s Office for a small fee.
Derry City Council
Civil Ceremonies in Approved Places You may choose to have your Ceremony in one of the Approved Places within the Derry District. These premises have been approved and issued with a Certificate of Approval by the Derry City Council. Initially you should contact the management of the chosen venue to make a provisional booking and then immediately contact the Registrar’s Office to check availability. Staff will advise you of the legal preliminaries, give you guidance on your Civil Marriage or Civil Partnership Ceremony and the relevant fee.
Approved Places for Civil Ceremonies Beech Hill Country House Hotel 32 Ardmore Road Contact: Mrs Patsy O’Kane Telephone: 028 71 349279
Everglades Hotel Prehen Road Contact: Stephen Meldrum Telephone: 028 71 321066
Verbal Arts Centre Stable Lane and Mill Wall Contact: James Kerr Telephone: 028 71 266946
The Belfray Country Inn 171 Glenshane Road Contact: Brian Loughlin Telephone: 028 71 301480
Millennium Forum 3 Newmarket Street Contact: Paul Mason Telephone: 028 71 264426
Waterfoot Hotel Caw Roundabout Contact: Helen Stewart Telephone: 028 71 345500
The City Hotel Queen’s Quay Contact: Glenn Ballantine Telephone: 028 71 365800
Pitchers, International Golf Centre Alder Road Contact: Mehawl Jack Telephone: 028 71 358811
The White Horse Hotel Clooney Road Campsie Contact: Keith Baldrick Telephone: 028 71 860606
Custom House Restaurant Custom House Street Contact: Liam or Mark Telephone: 028 71 363366
The Thatched Cottage Craft Village Contact: Raymond, Shirley or Jackie Telephone: 028 71 260329
Da Vinci’s Hotel Complex 15 Culmore Road Contact: Grianne O’Doherty Telephone: 028 71 279111
Tower Hotel Butcher Street Contact: Conor Page Telephone: 028 71 371000
Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Tomorrows Wedding Emporium BRIDALWEAR Our beautiful range of bridal gowns is from international fashion houses including Alfred Sung, Paloma Blanca, Mori Lee and Farage. Our gowns are presented to you in luxurious surroundings of sumptuous cherry wood, rich deep pile carpets, and glittering antique crystal chandeliers. Arrangements can be made to cater for customers wishing to have a private appointment at the salon with their bridal party.
MENSWEAR Our top quality formal range includes Magee and Wilvorst, together with waistcoats, cravats, bow ties and accessories, all located in a separate section of our Bridal Salon. 20-21 The Diamond, Derry, Co. Londondery BT48 6HP Telephone: 028 7126 8001 Email: info@tomorrowsformal.com www.tomorrowsformal.com Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Quiggs Florist
Quiggs Florist is the longest established florist in the Derry area, customised for more than 30 years. Our team of florists is always pleased to offer advice on our
full range of flowers and gifts. Traditional and contemporary floral designs available. Our Wedding Specialist is always on hand to create the day of your dreams.
19 Great James Street, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry BT48 7BZ Tel: 028 7136 6452 Email: quiggsflorist@yahoo.com www.quiggsflorist.co.uk
Harvest House
At Harvest House we can supply a wide range of stunning seasonal wedding flowers at competitive rates. If you’re planning your special wedding day, then let Harvest
House decorate your wedding hall with a full range of beautiful flowers. Whatever your choice of colour or type of flower, we can accommodate to suit your wedding theme.
16 Main Street, Eglinton, Londonderry, Co. Londonderry BT47 3PQ Tel: 028 7181 1890 Email: info@harvesthouseflorist.co.uk www.harvesthouseflorist.co.uk Derry City Council
Kayleigh Clarke Photography Unique Contemporary Wedding Photography
07591 054023 kayleigh.clarke@live.co.uk www.kayleighclarke.com Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Ultimate Touches You Deserve The Ultimate Touch‌
We provide chair covers, centrepieces, backdrops, throne chairs, candy cart, lanterns, red carpets, table linen including lace overlays and much more. Everything you need to give your room that STRIKING FIRST IMPRESSION. AWARD WINNERS 2010 AND 2011. Showrooms in Claudy, Dungiven and Dollingstown Tel: 07766 755898 Email: info@ultimatetouches.co.uk www.ultimatetouches.co.uk Join us on Facebook and twitter
Ultimate Dresses Luxurious Dresses for your special day... Ultimate Dresses is the sister venture of Ultimate Touches and we are bringing our usual high quality and excellent service into bridalwear. Appointments are always necessary as we prefer private and personal consultations. Evening opening every week night.
414a Ballyquin Road, Dungiven BT47 4NQ Tel: 028 7774 1828 Email: info@ultimatedresses.co.uk www.ultimatedresses.co.uk Join us on Facebook and twitter Derry City Council
The Waterfoot Hotel
Many congratulations! You have made one of the biggest decisions in your lives and we are delighted that you have chosen the Waterfoot Hotel to help you make your wedding day as special as you have always dreamed. At The Waterfoot Hotel “Where Exceptional is Standard� we guarantee an individual personalised service from your initial enquiry right through to the day of your dreams. Our professional team are with you every step of the way ensuring every detail is perfect from start to finish. We have a range of packages to suit your needs and budget or we can tailor make your perfect wedding just exactly the way you want it.
Civil Ceremonies & Civil Partnerships If you would like a Civil Ceremony or a Civil Partnership ceremony we are fully licensed for these special occasions and have two beautiful suites to choose from where you can take your vows. Dates for 2012, 2013 & 2014 are booking out fast so we highly recommend you book a personal viewing with one of our wedding co-ordinators on 028 7134 5500. You will see why the Waterfoot Hotel has become the most popular wedding venue in the North West.
Caw Roundabout, 14 Clooney Road, Londonderry BT47 6TB 02871345500 | info@waterfoothotel.com | www.waterfoothotel.com Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Hard 2 Handle Complete Wedding Package
North West N.Ireland’s busiest 2 man wedding band. Let us be the finishing touch to your special day. Complete band and disco package. Big band sound at 2 man band prices!!
“Hi Brian and Jim, just wanted to say a massive Thank You. You were out of this world! I was never at a wedding where the whole reception was dancing from beginning of the the night til the end! Everyone said you were 1st class!! Many Thanks, xXx” Michelle & Lee
Tel: 07710 623767 Email: brianjcurran50@hotmail.com www.h2hband.com Derry City Council
cakesbymiriam My aim is simple‌ The most important day of your life deserves a very special cake, and a very personal approach. My passion is to design and create a unique cake that looks great, tastes great and complements your wedding reception.
20 Disertowen Road, Newbuildings, Derry BT47 3UN Phone: 07817 289509 Email: Info@CakesByMiriam.co.uk www.cakesbymiriam.co.uk Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
Canterbury Tails Exquisite Chair Covers and Table Dressings
90 Canterbury Park, Kilfennan, Derry, Londonderry BT47 6DU Appointment only Tel: 0287 1312664 Mob: 07971 921252 Email: canterburytails@hotmail.co.uk www.canterbury-tails.co.uk
Your Wedding at
The Tower Hotel The 4 Star Tower Hotel is a perfect location for your civil wedding ceremony. Its secluded and picturesque setting on the historic city walls makes for a truly idyllic location to perform your nuptials. The Tower Hotel holds a licence as a civil ceremony venue, and has capacity to seat up to 250 of your closest friends for the ceremony. The beautifully appointed Tyconnell Suite means we have the perfect venue for both the large or, a small, more intimate ceremonies. Our experienced wedding coordinator will assist you with the careful planning of all aspects of your wedding, from the ceremony through to the celebrations afterwards. For more information on Civil Ceremonies, contact our Wedding Coordinator on events@thd.ie
Tower Hotel Butcher Street, Derry, Londonderry BT48 6HL Tel: +44 (0) 28 7137 1000 | Fax: +44 (0) 28 7137 1234 Email: reservations@thd.ie www.towerhotelderry.com Derry City Council
Suede Hair & Beauty Fantastic Hairdressing - Fabulous Surroundings - First Class Service!
At Suede Hair & Beauty we are constantly evolving and expanding our services to offer our guests nothing but the very best in hair and beauty. As an Aveda Exclusive Salon, we use only Aveda Haircare, Skincare and colouring products. As partners with the world’s foremost eco-friendly cosmetics brand, we care for the planet, as well as your hair.
Our team is here to make your visit with us as enjoyable as possible – from your warm welcome to your fabulous finishing touch. We take great pride in offering you a service you’ll find nowhere else, finding the look that works for you and giving you advice on how to maintain that look at home. So come in, relax and let us take care of you, because at Suede – it’s personal.
Appointments 028 7136 1123 facebook.com/suedehairandbeauty twitter.com/suedehairderry Suede Hair & Beauty College View, 110 Strand Road, Derry BT48 7NR
Guide to the Registration of Marriages Civil Partnerships
This magnificent building dating from 1876 is located in the shadows of the Guildhall with stunning views of the city’s iconic peace bridge Award-winning food Fully licenced for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships in the heart of the city
T: 028 7137 3366 E: info@customhouserestaurant.com W: www.customhouserestaurant.com
Derry City Council
Pitchers Wine Bar & Restaurant At Pitchers, we realise each and every wedding is unique and that your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, so why not let Pitchers make it extra special. Situated in the tranquil surroundings and overlooking the Donegal hills your wedding deserves a special setting. 12/14 Alder Road, Culmore, Derry BT48 8DB Tel: 02871 358811 Mobile: 07791 921711 Email: mehawljack_1@hotmail.com www.pitchersrestaurant.com
NorthWest Marquees
NorthWest Marquees is one of Northern Ireland’s leading marquee companies. Offering the complete package for weddings, garden parties, shows, concerts and any kind of special event – anywhere in Northern Ireland. We are based in Limavady, Northern Ireland, but we cover the entire province and we have also carried out work in the Republic of Ireland on numerous occasions. Telephone 028 7772 3652 northwestmarquee@aol.com | www.northwestmarquees.com Post 109 Castle Park, Limavady Londonderry BT49 0SW This document is available upon request in a number of formats including large print, Braille, PDF, audio cassette and minority languages. For further information on alternative formats please contact: telephone: (028) 7136 5151 textphone: (028) 7137 6646 or email: equality@derrycity.gov.uk
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District Registrar’s Office, 14 Magazine Street, Derry BT48 6HH Tel: (028) 7126 8439 Fax: (028) 7137 7964 Email: registrarsoffice@derrycity.gov.uk www.derrycity.gov.uk