Weddings and civil partnerships
Congratulations on your engagement! Whether you're dreaming of a grand celebration or a small, intimate gathering, East Sussex has everything you need to create your perfect day.
Here's everything you need to know to begin planning your special day.
Marriage or civil partnership?
One of your first and most important decisions to make is whether to get married or form a civil partnership. In England, marriage and civil partnership are available to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. As it's a personal choice, it's essential you understand the differences so that you decide which is the right legal union for you.
To help you make an informed decision, here is a table that explains the legal differences between a marriage and a civil partnership.
Marriage ceremonies
A marriage ceremony can be either civil or religious.
Civil marriage ceremonies must be held at a register office or licenced venue. During the ceremony, you and your partner will be required to say specific legal vows in the presence of registrars and two witnesses. You will have the option to personalise your ceremony.
Religious ceremonies must take place at a licenced church or religious building. To arrange a religious marriage ceremony, you should contact the minister or religious official of your chosen church.
Civil partnership ceremonies
Civil partnership ceremonies must be held at a register office or licenced venue.
During the ceremony, both of you will be required to read a legal declaration and sign the civil partnership schedule in the presence of registrars and two witnesses. You will have the option to personalise your ceremony.
Choosing a venue
After deciding on the type of ceremony, the next step is to choose your venue. East Sussex offers a wide range of options with over over 85 licenced venues, as well as four register offices, located at Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes.
Fees
Fees for both register office ceremonies and for registrars to attend a licenced venue can be found on our fee pages.
Please note fees for the registrars' attendance at a venue are separate from the venue's own hire fees.
Giving notice
Giving notice is a legal process that all couples must complete before they can get married or form a civil partnership in England. It's a formal declaration of your intention to marry or form a civil partnership.
Before you can give notice, you must have decided whether you'll be getting married or forming a civil partnership, and have already confirmed your ceremony venue.
Here you'll find more about the process of giving notice.
Booking your registrars
Ceremonies at an East Sussex register office: Both the register office and registrars are booked at the same time.
Ceremonies at licenced venues: First, confirm your venue, then contact us to book your registrars.
Contact the Ceremonies Hub
Phone: 0345 60 80 198
Terms and Conditions
Please read our terms and conditions before making a booking.
You can also read our privacy notice. It explains how East Sussex Registration uses your information and outlines your rights regarding that information.