Getting married in a civil ceremony

Arranging your civil ceremony

A civil marriage ceremony can be conducted by a registrar or deputy registrar for the district where it will take place.

You will first need to decide where and when to have your ceremony before giving notice of your marriage.

If you would like to have your ceremony in City Hall, or at one of our approved venues, please contact us by filling out our marriage and civil partnership enquiry form or calling 028 9027 0455 for availability and advice.

You can have up to 70 guests at your civil ceremony in Belfast City Hall.

Giving notice

You must give at least 28 days’ notice to get married. If you don't give this in time, you may need to postpone your marriage. 

Find out how and when to give notice.

Civil ceremony final appointments

Before your ceremony, you will need to book an appointment to present your original documents and wedding day information form. There will be an opportunity to talk with one of the registrars and ask any questions about your day.

Appointments are available from Monday to Friday, 11am to 12.20pm, at City Hall. Please select the ‘short appointments’ option at the top of the form and then 'civil ceremony final appointment' from the list when booking.

Book an appointment

You will receive a confirmation email after completing your booking. If you don’t receive this, please check your junk mail folder.

If you are unable to come into City Hall, you can still present the documents on the day of your ceremony.

Marriage fees for civil wedding

These prices are subject to review and may change.

More information

You can contact the Registration Office by calling 028 9027 0455 or emailing registrar@belfastcity.gov.uk