Before you give notice, you must decide:
- whether your ceremony will be civil or religious
- where the ceremony will take place
If you choose a civil ceremony, you can have it take place in either a register office or in an approved premises..
Civil (non‑religious) ceremonies in Newcastle
Civil ceremonies can take place at the Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH:
- Newcastle Register Office
- Up to 4 people, including the couple and 2 witnesses
- Monday to Saturday
- Carliol Room
- Up to 12 people, including the couple and 2 witnesses
- Monday to Friday
- Leazes Room
- Up to 50 people, including the couple and 2 witnesses
- Monday to Saturday
Approved premises (licensed venues)
Civil ceremonies can also take place at licensed venues such as hotels and historic buildings.
A full list of approved premises can be found here.
A registrar must attend the ceremony. Do not confirm or pay for your venue until we confirm that a registrar is available. You can book a registrar up to 2 years in advance.
Religious ceremonies
You can have a religious wedding in a building that is registered for marriage.
Same‑sex couples can only marry in a religious building that is registered for same‑sex marriage.
Your marriage must be registered after the ceremony. This is usually done by a minister.
If the building does not have a minister or authorised person, a registrar must attend.
Do not pay for your venue until you have booked a registrar.
Church of England or Church in Wales
- Speak to the local vicar first.
- You can usually marry there if you or your partner live in the parish.
- Same‑sex couples cannot marry in an Anglican church.
Other places of religious worship
Speak to the minister or person in charge.
The building should usually be in the local area where you or your partner lives. In most cases, it must be in the area where one of you lives.
Jewish ceremonies
Jewish ceremonies follow Jewish religious traditions and are carried out by a Jewish officiant.
They can take place in a private home, hotel or garden.
You must still:
- give notice before the ceremony
- meet all legal requirements for marriage
The marriage must be registered so it is legally recognised.
We will explain how registration will be completed when you give notice.
Special circumstances
Terminal illness
You can get married or form a civil partnership at home or in hospital if one of you is terminally ill.
A doctor must provide a letter confirming that:
- the person is terminally ill
- they cannot be moved
- they understand what the ceremony means
The ceremony must take place within 1 month of giving notice.
You only need to give notice once.
Housebound
You can have a ceremony at home or in hospital if one of you cannot leave home.
A doctor must confirm the person cannot be moved for at least 3 months.
Both partners must give notice where they live.
The registrar will visit the housebound person.
The ceremony must take place within 3 months.
In prison
You can get married or form a civil partnership if one or both of you are in prison, if:
- the prison governor agrees
- neither person is serving a whole‑life sentence
The governor must give written permission.
The person in prison gives notice with a registrar at the prison.
The other partner gives notice where they live.
Fees apply for giving notice and for the ceremony, in addition to standard fees.
The ceremony must take place within 3 months of giving notice.