Marriages and civil partnerships

There is no longer a legal limit on the number of attendees at civil partnerships or weddings.

However, to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver our service safely, the number of people who can attend a wedding and civil partnership at our register offices continues to be restricted and our staff will continue to maintain social distancing until further notice.

In line with the Prime Minister's announcement that England will move to 'Plan B' to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, face coverings must be worn in our register offices from Friday 10 December 2021. Face masks or face coverings are required for all staff and the general public with certain exemptions which include anyone with a health condition or disability, and those under the age of eleven.

You can contact our ceremony team on 03000 266 000 or email theceremonyteam@durham.gov.uk for any queries you may have. However, our phone lines continue to be very busy so please bear with us. 

Further guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships can be found at Gov.uk: guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships.