Urgent or deathbed marriages and civil partnerships

In exceptional circumstances, the Registrar General may authorise a marriage or civil partnership to take place at short notice where one of the parties is seriously ill, not expected to recover, and cannot be moved to a location where a ceremony would normally be held. This is known as a Registrar General’s Licence. 

Applications are considered on an individual basis, with required evidence from a medical professional and urgent action may be required due to the nature of the circumstances involved. 

For advice and guidance, please contact the Registration Service: 

• Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: 0118 937 3533 
• Outside these hours: 0118 937 3737 

Our team will be able to discuss your circumstances and advise on the process and documentation required.