Easing of restrictions – ceremony update

As we ease out of lockdown, we will be updating our FAQ document as and when information becomes available. Our new document covers steps 1b 29 March 2021 to 11 April 2021 and step 2 12 April to 16 May (this is subject to change by the government). For new ceremony bookings or queries with existing bookings please email dsr.registrars@shropshire.gov.uk

There are a number of different ceremonies that you'll need to contact us to arrange. We aim to help you make the occasion as special and easy to plan as possible. Use the links below to find out more about each ceremony type. You might also find our "Your Ceremony in Shropshire" brochure useful when planning your special day.

Changes to the way marriages are registered from 4 May 2021

From 4 May 2021 marriages will no longer be recorded in a marriage register in the traditional manner. The paper marriage registers will be closed and replaced on this date by a national electronic marriage register. No longer will couples sign the marriage register instead they will sign a schedule, which will be an A4 size document which will contain all of the details of the marriage and will be signed by the couple, their witnesses and in the case of a Church of England wedding – the vicar, in the case of a non-conformist church wedding, by the Authorised Person and in the case of a civil wedding, by the registrars.

These changes will see for the first time, each party to the marriage being able to record up to 4 parents’ names. This will enable mothers, step parents as well as fathers names to be recorded in the marriage entry. The order in which the names are shown will be the choice of the parties being married.

The documents in 'related documents' on this page provide some information to couples whether they are having a civil marriage, or a religious marriage.

No longer will a couple walk away with a marriage certificate on the day of the wedding, rather these will be sent in the post once the marriage has been registered into the national system by the local registration service, who will also be responsible for doing this for all religious marriages.

Couples who have a religious marriage in the Shropshire Council area should telephone 0345 678 9016 to order and pay for marriage certificates which are priced at £11.00 each.

Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

Guidance for couples: outdoor civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies

Following the amendment to the Marriage and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2021 for Outdoor Civil Marriage and Civil Partnerships please see the government guidance for more information.