Changes to marriage registration, which came into force on 4 May 2021, mean that there will no longer be a paper register. Instead, a new marriage schedule system and electronic register have taken its place.
On the day of their nuptials, couples will now be asked to complete and sign a marriage schedule, along with their witnesses, the Superintendent Registrar and Registrar/Minister officiating on the day, and this will replace the handwritten marriage registers.
The marriage certificate will no longer be available on the day.
Couples will also be able to include the names of their mother, father, stepmother or stepfather in the marriage schedule, not just their fathers’ names as was previously the case. This information will then be delivered to the local registration service where it will be recorded electronically and a marriage certificate posted to the couple.
Jeanette Hall, Superintendent Registrar, said: “We welcome the new system for registering weddings. It’s the first time that the registration of marriages has changed since 1837.
“The new electronic register will help keep marriage records safe and secure and it will be far simpler to administer and amend in the future. It also means that the happy couple don’t have to worry about keeping their certificate safe while they enjoy the rest of their celebrations.”
Couples will be able to pre-order their marriage certificate before their big day and it will be issued within seven days of registering the marriage on the electronic register.
For more information visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/
