Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can now be carried out at Blaenau Gwent Register Office, Bedwellty House, Tredegar.
We are following the advice and guidance from Welsh Government on social distancing and public behaviour. This means the content and format of marriage and civil partnership ceremonies has been reviewed and we have introduced restrictions on the number of people permitted in our ceremony rooms at any one time.
Social distancing guidance will be followed ensuring that officers and visitors are kept safe and to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The maximum number of people permitted in each room is: -
• Register Office – 2 Guests only (plus the couple marrying)
• The Homfray Room – 6 Guests only (plus the couple marrying)
We will contact couples who have booked a ceremony on a month by month basis. Our priority is to resume ceremonies that are scheduled to take place at the Register Office in July and August before accepting new bookings from September onwards. All bookings will be subject to availability.
Until we receive further information from Welsh Government, we cannot currently conduct ceremonies at approved premises (i.e. The Assembly Room at Bedwellty House; Llanhilleth Miner’s Institute in Abertillery and the Tredegar Arms Hotel Tredegar). We appreciate this uncertainty makes planning difficult.
Here are some useful questions and answers for couples:
Q1: From what date can marriages be solemnized, and civil partnerships formed?
In Wales marriages can be solemnized and civil partnerships formed from 22 June. In England this can take place from 4 July.
Q2: Where a person is shielding, can a marriage be solemnized, or a civil partnership formation take place remotely by video conferencing technology?
No, there is no provision within current legislation for a virtual marriage or civil partnership to take place.
Q3: Can couples who have already given notice proceed with their marriage / civil partnership if they wish to do so?
Yes, as long as the authorities are still valid and the venue remains the same and open
Q4: What happens if a notice has been previously given for a venue that is now closed?
A fresh notice is required if the venue changes for a marriage or civil partnership.
Q5: The grounds of the register office are lovely – as there is less risk outside can the ceremony take place there instead?
No. A marriage or civil partnership must take place within the venue as detailed on the notice and authority, and as specified in the approval of the premises. The outside space is not included as part of the venue.
Q6: Why can’t witnesses use video technology to witness the ceremony?
There is still a requirement within legislation for 2 witnesses to attend to witness a marriage or civil partnership and then sign the register.