Marriage and civil partnerships
Fees for marriage and civil partnership
Fees are subject to change for ceremonies taking place from 1st April each year, please take this into consideration when budgeting for your ceremony to allow for any potential fee increases. The final balance is due 5 weeks prior to your ceremony
Notice of marriage or civil partnership
Giving notice of marriage or civil partnership is a legal requirement for both partners. There is a charge of £42 each.
Booking fee
You can book Registrars up to three years in advance for ceremonies at approved premises. There is a non-refundable fee of £56 when a ceremony is booked. This fee will be deducted from the final amount due for the ceremony.
Register Office fees
Fees for a marriage or civil partnership that takes place in the Register Office up to 31st March 2026:
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Statutory marriage/civil partnership (Chester Register Office) | £56 |
| Enhanced ceremony (Merchants Suite, Chester), Monday - Thursday | £187.50 |
| Enhanced ceremony (Merchants Suite, Chester), Friday | £233.50 |
| Enhanced ceremony (Merchants Suite, Chester), Saturday | £279.50 |
| Enhanced ceremony (Wyvern House, Winsford), Saturday morning | £156 |
Please note that ceremony fees do not include the marriage certificate fee (£12.50 per certificate).
Approved premises fees
These fees are for the Registrars’ attendance at marriages or civil partnerships that take place at approved premises. These charges do not include the hire of the rooms, certificates or any other services.
Certificates
Marriage certificates cost £12.50. More information can be found on our certificates page.
Fees for ceremonies at Approved Premises from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
| Day of the week | 8am - 6pm | 6pm - 7pm | 7pm - 10pm | 10pm - 8am |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | £401.50 | £452.50 | £465.50 | £488.50 |
| Friday | £456.50 | £504 | £518 | £540 |
| Saturday | £520.50 | £570.50 | £585 | £605.50 |
| Sunday and bank holidays | £533 | £584 | £597 | £619.50 |
