Urgent Ceremonies in East Sussex

Registrar General's Licence

Under the provisions of the Registrar General's Licence Act 1970 it is possible for a wedding or civil partnership to take place without having to wait for the statutory period of 28 days to pass. The Act provides for a marriage or civil partnership to take place in circumstances where one of the parties is seriously ill and not expected to recover, and cannot be moved to a place where a marriage or civil partnership would normally be solemnized. 

Please contact our offices to discuss further 0345 60 80 198

In the event of an extreme emergency which cannot wait until we are next open, call 01273 337040. This number is only for ceremonies that will take place in East Sussex (excluding Brighton & Hove). 

You will be asked for details of the circumstances and your contact details. These will be passed to a Registrar who will call you back to make any necessary arrangements.

Reduction of statutory waiting period

The Marriage Act 1949/Civil Partnership Act 2004 state that once notice has been given, a statutory waiting period of 28* days must pass before the marriage or civil partnership is able to take place. However, there is a provision in the Acts for the statutory waiting period to be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

This reduction can be applied for at the time of giving notice or at any time during the waiting period.

A consideration fee payable when applying for a reduction in the statutory waiting period on top of the usual notice fee. This fee is non refundable and does not guarantee the reduction of the statutory waiting period application will be successful.

Please contact our offices to discuss further 0345 60 80 198.

*The statutory waiting period may be extended to 70 days if parties to the marriage/civil partnership is a foreign national subject to immigration controls.