There are certain requirements for a marriage to be legally valid in this country.

Firstly, a marriage has to be a public declaration before at least two adult witnesses.

The marriage must be solemnised by an 'authorised person', generally a Registrar for a civil ceremony, or an ordained minister of the various churches for a church wedding.

A Superintendent Registrar's Certificate has to be obtained from the Office for Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages where a form must be completed giving details of names, ages etc., and a declaration signed. If both the prospective bride and bridegroom reside in the same registration district they must have done so for at least seven days immediately preceding the declaration; if they live in different districts notice must be given to the Registrar of each district, and again the seven day rule applies. The building in which the wedding is to take place must be specified and 21 clear days must elapse between the day the declaration is made and the day upon which the Certificate may be issued. The marriage may then take place at any time within the following three months.

A Superintendent Registrar's Certificate and Licence is similar except that notice may be given by either the man or the woman whether or not the parties live in the same registration district. However, that person must have lived in the district for at least 15 days immediately preceding notice, and the marriage must take place in that district. One clear day must pass between the Registrar entering the notice in his records and the issuing of the Licence and Certificate. The marriage can then take place at any time within the following three months.

Once the decision as to where the marriage is to take place - church or register office - has been taken, the next step is to see either the local Superintendent Registrar, whose address will be found in the telephone directory under 'Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages', or the minister of your church. In all cases we are sure that you will find advice freely and clearly offered. It is always a good idea to jot down any queries that you may have before you meet to avoid the frustration of remembering something at a later date that you knew you should have asked!