Marriage or civil partnership in exceptional circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, the Registrar General can authorise a marriage or civil partnership to take place without the usual waiting period.
If one partner is seriously ill
If someone is seriously ill and not expected to recover, a special licence allows them to marry or form a civil partnership without waiting the usual 28-day notice period. This is known as a Registrar General’s Licence.
If the ill party is located in the Swindon district, either at their home or in a medical setting such as the Great Western Hospital or Prospect Hospice, the Swindon Register Office and Ceremony Rooms team can apply for and conduct the ceremony under this licence.
In most cases, authority to marry or form a partnership can be given immediately. The ceremony can take place on the same day the arrangements are made. Ceremonies can take place at any time of day or night, and at any location in Swindon, as long as the legal criteria are met.
Medical evidence required
You will need to obtain medical evidence from a doctor. This is usually provided as a letter that confirms:
- the ill party is seriously ill and not expected to recover
- the ill party cannot be moved to a place where marriages or civil partnerships normally take place
- the ill party understands the nature of the marriage or civil partnership and the legal contract they are entering into
Legal notice and supporting documents
The well party must give notice of marriage or civil partnership at the local Register Office for both parties. You will need to provide:
- a valid passport or driving licence
- a decree absolute or final order, if either party has been previously married or in a civil partnership
- proof of address
We can support you through the process and help you gather any documents you need.
Fees apply, which we will explain when you contact us.
To arrange a ceremony under these circumstances:
- Phone: 01793 522738
- Email: superintendentregistrar@swindon.gov.uk
If one partner is housebound
There is provision under the Marriage and Civil Partnership Act for a housebound person to marry at the place where they currently reside.
A housebound person is someone who, due to illness or disability, should not be moved from their home, hospital, or another place of residence.
A doctor must sign a statement confirming that the person cannot be moved to a place normally registered for marriage or civil partnership for a period of three months.
Both parties must give legal notice of marriage or civil partnership. The usual 28-day notice period applies, or 70 days if either party is subject to immigration control.
In the case of the housebound party, notice can be taken at the place where they are residing.
The ceremony must take place within three months of giving notice.
If the housebound person is in the Swindon district, we can help you arrange this special type of ceremony:
- Phone: 01793 522738
- Email: superintendentregistrar@swindon.gov.uk
Reduction in waiting time for the legal notice period
In exceptional circumstances, couples can ask the Registrar General to reduce the standard 28-day or 70-day notice period for a marriage or civil partnership, if there are compelling reasons to do so.
You will need to complete an application form, provide supporting evidence and pay a consideration fee for each party.
If granted, the ceremony may take place as early as the day after your application. If the request is refused, the fee is non-refundable.
Examples of exceptional circumstances may include:
- serious illness of either party
- serious illness of a parent who is due to attend the ceremony
- a member of the armed forces who is subject to short-notice deployment to a dangerous location or war zone
If you live in the Swindon district and wish to apply for this special provision, we can take your notice and support you through the process:
- Phone: 01793 522738
- Email: superintendentregistrar@swindon.gov.uk