Genealogy Forum UK

I've seen from facebook research that some distant relatives got married last weekend in the UK, where I'm based. I know you can easily obtain the marriage certificates from decades ago, but what are the rules on recent (eg within the last month) marriage certificates in the UK? If I can get the groom's address then I can write to him and share my research, in the hope that he'll write back. Nothing ventured nothing gained etc.

This could be an important lead. I know both their names, and the date they were married, and am just trying to figure out the exact church where they tied the knot. In principle will that allow me to get the certificate, or will data protection laws demand that I visit the registry in person with ID etc? I'd perfectly happy to go in person if that's what is needed. I have not managed to contact either bride or groom electronically, and they do not appear to be on facebook, or if they are they're hidden.

Many thanks,

Rob

If you have some idea of the area you could try the local paper for more info -- you might be lucky.

Maths girl wrote:If you have some idea of the area you could try the local paper for more info -- you might be lucky.

Maybe a silly question, but have you tried the phone book?

Thanks yes, tried that. Too many in London by that name I'm afraid.

I have identified the church. I just want to hear others experience about what hoops you have to go through to get a marriage certificate from a Registrar. I phoned the local council and they don't have a record of that church from 2005, so I guess the Registrar only hands in the records once the book is full, is that right?

I just need to track down the Registrar now, have contacted the minister, should be easy hopefully. Thanks

utopia25 wrote:Thanks yes, tried that. Too many in London by that name I'm afraid.

I have identified the church. I just want to hear others experience about what hoops you have to go through to get a marriage certificate from a Registrar. I phoned the local council and they don't have a record of that church from 2005, so I guess the Registrar only hands in the records once the book is full, is that right?

I just need to track down the Registrar now, have contacted the minister, should be easy hopefully. Thanks

If it is a CofE church and some others with the right permissions the "Registrar" will be the minister but whether they are allowed to let you have the certificate or even details from the certificate this soon after the marriage is doubtful.

They may be prepared to forward a letter from you to your relations if they know where they are and then you would have to hope that your relations wanted to get in touch with you!

Thanks Maths girl. The government website doesn't say anything about time limits:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentc ... /DG_175689

Do you know what the time limits are? It's quite clear that if you don't know the place, names and date you can't get the addresses. Otherwise I can't see anything saying you can't. If the Registrar were to refuse presumably they'd need a good reason, or a credible threat of ID fraud or some other such malfeasance.

Does anyone actually know the rules here? I was hoping I might find someone who knows the state of play.

Many thanks

If you know the church where they were married - you should contact the local registry office - I don't think there are any time rules. It might take a while for the marriage to reach the GRO - but it will be registered locally on the day it happens even if the marriage was in a church.