The latest information regarding wedding Registration Services and funeral services, in relation to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

This information was last updated 18 May 2021

Following the government's announcement on 10 May 2021 which outlined the recovery roadmap for England, we are delighted to now have clarity around wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. We'd like to share this detail with you regarding ceremonies, funerals and commemorative events as follows -

• From no earlier than 17 May 2021, weddings, civil partnerships, receptions, funerals, and commemorative events including wakes can proceed with up to 30 attendees (in locations where covid security restrictions will allow them). Please view the guidance on number of guests allowed within the Register Office and Council Civic Venues here.
• From no earlier than 21 June 2021 the government aims to remove all limits on weddings, civil partnerships ceremonies and receptions. This will be subject to the outcome of the Social Distancing Review and the Events Research Programme, which will include a series of pilots using enhanced testing approaches and other mitigation to run events of larger sizes. Please be aware that some form of Covid secured measures may be still in place. 

Covid safety measures (social distancing and facemasks) will still be in place to ensure everyone's safety until further notice

The government will announce one week in advance of each of these dates whether restrictions will be eased as planned, as before changes can be made in line with this timetable, its essential that the government criteria has been met.
 
We appreciate that whilst it's fantastic to finally see a way forward, these key steps are still subject to review and may still affect couples' plans. We expect our phone lines will be very busy but please rest assured we are here for all our couples and we will respond if you have any questions or queries. 
 
Until then we will continue following the guidance in place. 
 
If you have any queries regarding weddings or civil partnerships, please contact the Ceremony Team at alnwickreg@northumberland.gov.uk. 

Appointments   

We are still permitted to remain open for Notice of Marriage and Civil Partnership appointments, and parents can attend our offices to register births on an appointment basis. Please note that if you are looking to book a notice appointment, we are only able to take notices that are within 3 months of your marriage or civil partnership date. Any notice appointments that are already booked will not need to be rescheduled.  
 
The Northumberland Registration Service will continue to be there to support and assist our couples and be assured we will provide updates as soon as anything changes.   

Funerals 

Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble. 

If you have any queries regarding funerals, please contact Bereavement Services at blyth.crematorium@northumberland.gov.uk.

​We are here to help at every step of organising your ceremony. You can also contact us for information on how to license a venue and advertise with us online or in our brochure.