What information is on a UK marriage certificate?
All UK marriage certificates contain the following details:
1. Registration District, Sub-District, and County
The registration location indicates the official area where the marriage was registered, not the exact place of marriage. For example, a couple married near Wembley Stadium in London would see the following details:
- Sub-District: Wembley
- District: Brent
- County: Greater London
2. Full Name of the Bride
The certificate will include the bride’s full maiden name, along with any middle names. For recent marriages, any previous married names will also be recorded.
3. Full Name of the Groom
The groom’s full name, including all middle names, is stated on the certificate.
4. Age of Bride and Groom
The age of both the bride and groom is recorded on the certificate.
5. Date of Marriage
The exact date of the marriage is included.
6. Place of Marriage
The certificate specifies the exact location of the marriage, whether it took place in a church, other place of worship, civil ceremony location, or register office.
7. Rank or Profession of Bride and Groom
The profession (or rank, in the case of armed services) of both the bride and groom is recorded.
8. Residence at the Time of Marriage
The home addresses of the bride and groom at the time of marriage are included.
9. Marital Status
The marital status, referred to as "Condition" on the certificate, is stated for both the bride and groom. The options include:
- Bachelor/Spinster: Neither party has been married before.
- Widow/Widower: A previous spouse has died.
- Previously Dissolved: Either party has been divorced.
10. Father’s Full Name and Occupation
The names and occupations of the fathers of both the bride and groom are included.
11. Marriage Witnesses
The certificate lists the names of two witnesses to the marriage, who also sign the marriage register.
12. Date the Marriage was Registered
The date the marriage was registered is recorded, usually the same day as the marriage since the officiant registers it during the ceremony.
13. Registrar Details
The name and signature of the registrar or clergy member who officiated the marriage are included.
14. Date the Certificate was Produced
In cases where the certificate is a re-issue, the actual date it was produced is recorded.
Additional Notes:
- Re-issued Certificates: These will include a standard phrase such as “Certified to be a true copy of an entry in the marriage register.” This phrase confirms that the certificate is an official copy of the original register entry, not a photocopy. It is valid for all official purposes.
This comprehensive information ensures that UK marriage certificates can be used for legal, official, and genealogical purposes.