Essential first steps

Re-registering your children

When the parents of a child get married or enter a civil partnership, the birth should be re-registered to show that they are a child of the marriage. When a re-registration takes place, a new birth record is created replacing the previous one, and any future certificates will be issued from the new registration. If the natural mother is taking her new husband’s or wife's surname, then the child's surname can also be changed (provided they were originally given their mothers surname).

Personalise your ceremony

A civil marriage ceremony cannot have any religious content but you can add your own promises to the legal wording of the vows and select a couple of readings to make the ceremony more meaningful to you.

You can select a suitably moving piece of music, likewise your first steps as a married couple present a great opportunity to add a little individuality to your ceremony with a stand out piece of music for your entrance.

Just remember to send your individual choices for the ceremony into the Register Office at least 30 days prior to your wedding for approval and don’t forget to pay your ceremony fee at least 4 weeks before the wedding.

Celebratory ceremonies

The Registration Service can also conduct ceremonies for other celebrations such as baby naming days, or renewal of marriage vows. With each ceremony being tailored to individual requirements or circumstances.