New Sunday ceremonies in Bath once registrations restarted by Government

Bath & North East Somerset Council is set to welcome more couples to hold their wedding or civil partnership in Bath’s Guildhall when the Government announces that people can hold small ceremonies once more.

The Government is soon expected to confirm that birth registrations and small wedding and civil partnership ceremonies can begin and the council wants to extend its offer to couples by allowing them to book the impressive Guildhall on Sundays for the first time in the building’s history.

Once Government guidance as part of the national recovery plan is given on how many people can attend a small ceremony and the start date, the registration service will resume ceremonies at the Guildhall and any other venues that are open.

Bookings for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies continue to be taken by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01225 477234.

The Government is also expected to announce that parents can register births once more and once this happens, appointments can be made online via the council website for appointments at the Guildhall Bath, or the libraries at Midsomer Norton or Keynsham.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This has been a challenging time for parents who haven’t been able to register their new baby’s birth and for couples who have had to postpone their special day. I am delighted that by opening the Guildhall on a Sunday for the first time ever, more couples will be able to come to Bath to celebrate their wedding or civil partnership.

“Once the Government gives us the go-ahead, we’re also planning to restart face-to-face birth registrations at the Guildhall and at Midsomer Norton and Keynsham. We have more than a thousand outstanding registrations so we will hold some in Wiltshire and Somerset as well while we catch up as quickly as we can.”

The Georgian Grade 1 listed Guildhall has five licenced rooms for civil partnership and marriage. Find out more at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/births-marriages-and-deaths/approved-premises/marriages-guildhall

Notices for marriage and civil partnership will also begin to take place face to face as part of the government’s recovery plan.

Death registrations will continue to take place via telephone under the Government’s temporary legislation until further notice.

More information about registering births, marriages and deaths in B&NES can be found at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/births-marriages-and-deaths/register-offices