Guidance

Authorised persons: advice for marriage ceremonies

Explains the roles and responsibilities of authorised persons at marriage ceremonies.

• From: HM Passport Office
• Published: 2 September 2011
• Last updated: 2 April 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 2 April 2025

     The authorised persons guidance has been updated and an accessible version has been added.

  2. 28 February 2023

     Updated 'A guide for authorised persons'.

  3. 7 July 2021

     Guidance has been updated due to legislation changes.

  4. 4 May 2021

     Guidance updated to reflect changes brought into force by the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration Etc.) Act 2021.

  5. 1 April 2019

     Updated guidance published.

  6. 7 November 2017

     Updated guidance.

  7. 1 November 2017

     Guide updated.

  8. 2 March 2015

     Updated guidance published

  9. 16 December 2014

     Updated guide

  10. 18 March 2014

      Updated guidance

  11. 26 February 2014

      New document added.

  12. 2 September 2011

      First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

A guide for authorised persons (accessible)

HTML

A guide for authorised persons

PDF, 2.21 MB, 32 pages

Details

This document provides advice to authorised persons on their role and responsibilities at marriage ceremonies including an introduction to the role, marriage preliminaries, solemnisation of the marriage, and completing and signing the marriage schedule.