Marriage and Civil Partnership

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Guidance on Marriage/Civil Partnership procedures in Northern Ireland

Couples marrying in Northern Ireland have a choice of either a religious/belief ceremony or a civil ceremony (which is conducted by a Registrar). The initial arrangements are the same for both types of marriage.

Same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland has been legal since 13 January 2020.

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 as amended by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) and Civil Partnership (Opposite Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2019 enables both opposite and same sex couples to enter into a civil partnership. A Civil Partnership ceremony can only be performed by a Registrar or Deputy Registrar.

Notice of Marriage/Civil Partnership may be given at Causeway Coast and Glens Registration Offices in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady.

A Civil Marriage Ceremony can be conducted by a Registrar or Deputy Registrar for the district in which it is to take place.

A Civil Marriage/Partnership may take place in the Registration Offices.

A Civil/Marriage/Partnership may also be conducted at a place that has been approved by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

A belief Marriage may be conducted by a Humanist Celebrant who operate independently and are not employees of a district council. Remember to make early arrangements with them.

Alternatively if you wish to apply for a temporary approval for a Civil Marriage/Partnership to be conducted at a place of your own choice, such as your own home, you should contact the Registrar who will advise you about the application procedure.

An objection to a marriage may be lodged with the Registrar at any time between the marriage notice being sent in and the marriage taking place. Any person who makes a false statement to get married or prevent a marriage, is guilty of perjury and may be liable to prosecution.

Fees for Religious Marriage in Church etc at any time or day

Schedule: £44.00 (notice of marriage £22.00 x 2)
Marriage Certificate: £8.00 which can be paid when attending your schedule collection appointment
Total Cost: £52.00

Fees for Belief Marriage at any place or venue

Schedule: £44.00 (notice of marriage £22.00 x 2)
Marriage Certificate: £8.00 which can be paid when attending your schedule collection appointment
Total Cost: £52.00

Fees for Marriage/Civil Partnership in Registrar's Offices

Monday - Friday 10:00-16:00 £88.00 (time slots: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00)
Saturday - 11:00-15.00 £214.00 (time slots: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00)

Flexible times available in off-peak season November to March

Max. 3 Registrars officiating in borough area at any one time
Public/Bank Holidays excepted.

Fees for Marriage/Civil Partnership in Approved Places

Monday - Friday 10:00-16:00 £213.00 (time slots: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00)
Saturday - 11:00-15:00 £263.00 (time slots: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00)

Flexible times available in off-peak season November to March

Max. 3 Registrars officiating in borough area at any one time
Public/Bank Holidays excepted

Fee of £400.00 for the cost of Licensing of an Approved Place for a 3 year period or for a one off temporary approval and to include the provisions of the Registrar, Building Control and Environmental Health

Office opening hours are:

Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady: Monday – Friday: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Ballycastle: Monday & Friday 1.30 pm – 4.30pm. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am – 12.30pm

An appointments system operates.

Contact Details -

Ballycastle:

Sheskburn House, 7 Mary Street, Ballycastle BT54 6QH

Tel 028 2076 2225 / 028 2076 1657

Email: ballycastle.registrar@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Ballymoney:

Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DZ

Tel: 028 2766 0200 / 028 2766 0206