Once you have given notice, we’ll let you know when you can collect the schedule. You can collect the schedule and give it to the marriage conductor.
If you have decided to have your ceremony at our Registrar’s office in City Hall or at one of our approved venues, please contact us for availability and advice.
Humanist ceremonies can only take place in a venue, which is approved by Belfast City Council eg a hotel.
If you are having a humanist ceremony, you still need to give notice at the Registrar’s office in Belfast City Hall if the approved venue is in the Belfast district.
Once you have given notice, we’ll let you know when you can collect the schedule. You can collect this and give it to the humanist celebrant.
Before
you can get married in Belfast, you and your partner need to complete a
marriage notice form and produce other essential documents.
If you're giving marriage or civil partnership notice, you need to make an appointment with us. Please call us on 028 9027 0455 or email registrar@belfastcity.gov.uk
This still applies if you are having a religious or humanist ceremony. You must get the marriage notice forms signed by the religious conductor. You can give notice up to one year in advance of your wedding.
Once the marriage has taken place, the schedule should be returned to
the Registration office within three working days for the marriage to be
registered. You can then purchase a copy of the marriage certificate
for £8.
If you're a non-EEA citizen, please read NI Direct's information on getting married in Northern Ireland.
The following documents must be provided by both you and your partner when returning your marriage notice forms:
- your full (long version) birth certificate
- your passport or national identity card - the Registrar can advise on alternatives if you do not hold either of these
- a consent form (if you aged 16 or 17)
- if
you have been married before and the marriage was dissolved, a
certificate of divorce or annulment or a certified copy decree (decrees
must be absolute or final)
- if you have entered into a civil partnership before, a court order of dissolution for that partnership
- if you are a widow, widower or surviving civil partner, the death certificate of your former spouse or civil partner.
More guidance
Please visit NI Direct's website for more guidance on marriage procedures.
Marriage fees