Celebrating marriages and

civil partnerships in Camden

contents

Congratulations making a
commitment to the one you love is a
Choosing a venue

Giving notice

13

Camden town hall

Ceremony rooms in Camden town hall

Council chamber
Committee room 2
Committee rooms 3 and 3a
Ceremony suite

4
5
5
5

Where to give notice

Papers to bring to your appointment
Marital status
How to make an appointment

13
13
13
13

Further information

14

An approved venue in Camden

A church or other religious ceremony

Ceremony arrangements

character and historical interest making it

Times for your ceremony

Booking your venue
Fees and payment

9
9
9

a perfect place for your ceremony.

On the day

10

Personalising your special day

How long will my ceremony last?
Readings and music
Exchanging the rings
Photographing and recording your big day

10
10
10
10
10

wonderful occasion in your life. Here at

Camden we aim to make your experience
joyous and memorable.
The following information is designed to
allow you to plan your special day. It guides
you from booking your ceremony to what
happens on your day.
Camden is a lively, vibrant borough full of

Consent if under 18 years of age

14
Ceremonies taking place outside
England and Wales
14
Our opening hours
14
Where are we?
14
Contact details
14
Filming and photography licences
14
Access 14
Feedback 14
Venues 15
Wedding directory

|1|

28

Choosing a venue

The first step when getting married or forming a civil partnership is

to decide where you would like your ceremony to take place. Lively,
vibrant and historic Camden has so much to offer you. This guide
explains what we can do for you on your special day.
Camden town hall
Camden town hall is a stylish grade II listed building designed in 1899.
It has many wonderful and interesting features, and has become
increasingly popular for central London ceremonies in recent years.
The grand white marble staircase provides a perfect setting for taking
photographs.
Camden is also famous for its beautiful open spaces and squares.
Regents Park and Primrose Hill are nearby and Russell Square, one
of Londons finest, is just a few minutes walk from the town hall as is
St Georges Gardens. The open spaces offer a beautiful backdrop for
your wedding photographs.
Our parks and open spaces are very popular for events, filming
and photography. All filming and photography done in them by
professionals needs to be licensed by the Council. Please see
page 14 for more information.

|3|

Ceremony rooms in
Camden town hall
Camden town hall contains seven stunning ceremony
rooms that cater for any size ceremony from small
intimate ceremonies through to larger ceremonies for
up to 180 guests. All ceremony rooms on the civic
floor, except committee room 3a which is a more
contemporary room, provide a classical setting and
are decorated in floor-to-ceiling beechwood panelling,
with art deco chandeliers, wall lights and six-foot
marble fireplaces.
Virtual tours of the rooms are available to view on our
website. Alternatively, you can make an appointment
and we will have a registrar available to give a tour of
the rooms and answer any questions you may have.
Arrangements can be made by telephoning or emailing
the register office.
Top to bottom:
Council chamber
Committee room 3a
Ceremony suite
Opposite: Committee room 2

Committee room 2 up to 40 guests

Committee rooms 1 and 2 combined available on
special request, up to 70 guests
Committee rooms 3 and 3a up to 15 guests
Council chamber up to 180 guests
Ceremony suite up to 30 guests
Council chamber
Camdens impressive Council chamber is the ideal
venue for larger ceremonies. The design was based on
a Saxon Court, where the King would sit at the head
facing his council, who would sit in a semi-circle around
him. The colour scheme in the chamber is based on the
interior dcor of the House of Commons.

|4|

Ceremony suite
The newly refurbished ceremony suite boasts
contemporary artwork, both in the waiting
area and the suite. The room is bright and
airy and complimented by cream and red
soft furnishing, situated on richly coloured
red carpeting. This room is used for most of
our ceremonies. Please visit camden.gov.
uk/registrars for details.

Committee room 2
This is our most popular room on the civic
floor. With its grand yet intimate atmosphere,
it holds up to 40 people but is equally
suitable for smaller parties. It is possible
to make a special request to open the
division to create a larger room for up to 30
additional guests.
Committee rooms 3 and 3a
If you would prefer a smaller venue, then
either of these rooms are for you as they
provide the setting for a more intimate
ceremony. Committee room 3a also has a
spectacular panoramic view of St Pancras.

|5|

An approved venue in Camden

An approved venue is a building licensed by Camden Council to hold
civil ceremonies. The borough offers a wide variety of excellent venues
for civil ceremonies, ranging from grand hotels to museums and
historic houses with beautiful gardens.
When choosing your venue it is important to consider factors such
as availability on your chosen date, the type of ceremony you would
like, the possible number of guests and catering services. Each of
the venues will be able to discuss your requirements, and provide a
bespoke and unforgettable experience.
Please visit camden.gov.uk/registrars to see a full list of Camdens
approved venues.

|6|

|7|

Ceremony arrangements

Times for your ceremony

In the town hall
Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm

A church or other religious ceremony

If you are getting married in a Church of England church, then you should
arrange to see the vicar to set the date and time for your ceremony.
The vicar will then arrange for your banns to be read out in church. The
ceremony will be registered by the church and there is usually no need
to involve the local register office.
If you are having your ceremony in a religious building other than a Church
of England church you should arrange to see the religious leader to agree
a date and time. You will then need to contact your local register office to
make arrangements to give notice. Please see page 13 for more details.
The religious building must normally be situated in the registration district
where you or your partner live. You can only have your ceremony in a
different district to where you both live if:
either of you usually worship in that building; or
there is no building of your religion in the district where you or
your partner live.

|8|

If you are registering your ceremony in an

approved venue, you will need to contact the
venue to book your preferred date and time.
You will then need to contact Camden register
office to make a provisional booking and confirm
that registration officers are able to attend on
your chosen day and time. Two registrars will
conduct and register your ceremony. Please
note that there is a fee for this.

In an approved venue
Sunday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm
If you are having your ceremony in a religious
building, please contact the religious leader
about available times.

You may book a registrar up to two years

before your ceremony.
Fees and payment
You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to
secure your booking, or if you prefer you can pay
the full amount at the time of booking. This can
be done in person at the register office, by credit
or debit card over the telephone and online from
spring 2013. Full payment must be made no
later than one month before your ceremony.

Booking your venue

If you choose to register your civil ceremony in
Camden town hall, please phone 020 7974 4444
or come in during our opening times to make
a provisional booking. We will be launching
an online service in spring 2013. Visit
camden.gov.uk/registrars for further details.

The full list of fees can be viewed on our website.

|9|

On the day

Personalising your special day

If your ceremony is in an approved venue or on
the civic floor of the town hall, you can meet the
registrar performing the ceremony (also known
as the celebrant) before the event to discuss
the arrangements. This means your ceremony
can be designed exactly how you want it.
This may include the vows you wish to make
to each other, the music to be played before,
during and after your ceremony, or any other
arrangements you would like to make your day
memorable and special. We offer a friendly
service tailored to you.
How long will my ceremony last?
Your ceremony length depends on what is
involved. For example, if you want to include
the exchanging of rings or have additional
readings, then this will take longer.

Readings and music

Your personal vows can be whatever you
wish to say to each other and your registrar
can advise and guide on all aspects of the
ceremony. You may also choose to say a poem
or verse, or something that you have written.
Or perhaps there is a song or particular piece of
music that you would like to have incorporated.
However, please remember that any readings,
vows and music must not have any religious
connotations.
Exchanging the rings
It is traditional for a couple to exchange
rings after their vows. However, this is not a
requirement of the ceremony.
Photographing and recording your big day
We welcome photographing or recording the
ceremony. This should not, of course, disrupt
the ceremony.

| 10 |

Giving notice
The next step is to give notice of your intention
to marry or form a civil partnership. You must
both have lived at your present addresses for
at least seven full days before the notices are
given. There is a non-refundable fee for giving
notice that is set by central government. Please
visit the website for the latest fee.
There must be 16 clear days between giving
notice and getting married or registering
your civil partnership. However, you should
give notice as soon as you have made your
provisional booking (not more than one year
in advance). The certificate of marriage, also
known as an authority, or civil partnership
schedule, is valid for one year from the date of
the notice, and is valid for the venue stated only.
Therefore, you must know where you are having
your ceremony at the time of giving notice.
Where to give notice
If you are both European (EEA), Swiss, or
United Kingdom (UK) nationals
You must both attend the register office for the
district where you live. If you live in different
districts, you will have to go to different register
offices. If you both live in Camden, then both of
you will have to make an appointment to see us.
If one or both of you are non-European
(EEA), Swiss or UK nationals
You must both attend a designated register office
(DRO) together. Camden is a DRO and we will be
happy to take your notice for you. Please contact
us to make an appointment.

| 12 |

Papers to bring to your appointment

You both need to provide documents to
prove your nationality, name, date of birth and
address and then make signed declarations in
front of the registrar. You must bring:
a valid passport or national ID document, with
a photograph, showing your name, date of
birth and nationality; and
an original domestic bill or bank statement
issued within the last three months
(downloaded copies are not acceptable) or a
valid UK driving licence to prove your address.
Please bring both the paper and the card part.
If you do not have any of these documents,
please visit camden.gov.uk/registrars for
further information.
Marital status
If you have been married or have previously
registered a civil partnership in this or any other
country, you will need to bring proof that the
marriage or civil partnership has ended. For
example, the death certificate of the former
spouse or civil partner, or a court stamped copy
of the Decree Absolute if there was a divorce
or dissolution. If the divorce or dissolution
was in another country, you must provide
the document issued by that country and a
translation, if it is not in English.
How to make an appointment
Please phone 020 7974 4444. From spring
2013, you will be able to make an appointment
online at camden.gov.uk/registrars

| 13 |

Further information
Consent if under 18 years of age
If either of you are under 18 years of age, you
will need to provide a full birth certificate and
obtain consent from parents or a guardian.
A registrar will issue a form for this purpose.
If you have a problem providing the certificate
above, then please contact the register office for
further advice.

Filming and photography licences

You need public liability insurance to be issued
a licence for a public space. Your professional
wedding photographer should have this, and
should make the application. We charge a small
fee, depending on the size of your party. Please
ask your photographer to fill in our online filming
application. You can find this at camden.gov.uk/film

Ceremonies taking place

outside England and Wales
If you plan to have your ceremony abroad,
you should contact the embassy or consulate
for the country where you wish the ceremony
to take place. For a ceremony taking place in:
Scotland visit gro-scotland.gov.uk
Northern Ireland visit nidirect.gov.uk
Irish Republic visit groireland.ie

Access
Camden register office has full disabled access
from the front of the town hall. Wheelchair
access to the ceremony rooms on the civic floor
is via the lifts in the main reception. Induction
loops are available for hard of hearing people
and a member of staff who is able to use British
Sign Language is available.
Feedback
Camden registrars welcome feedback and
suggestions. If there are things we could have
done better, or things you think we do well,
please let us know by contacting the registration
service manager in writing at the address below:
Camden register office, Camden town hall,
Judd Street, WC1H 9JE.

Our opening hours

Camden register office is open Monday to
Friday, 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday from
9am to 12.30pm, by appointment only.
On the first Thursday of each month we
open from 9am to 1pm.
Where are we?
Camden register office, Camden town hall
Judd Street (off Euston Road), WC1H 9JE.

Mid
lan
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oad

Ossulton Street

Kings
Cross

Venues

Hastings St

Argyle Str
eet

Euston Road
Bidborough St

| 14 |

Panc ras Road

Towards
Euston

St Pancras

The
British
Library

Judd Street

Contact details
We will be pleased to offer further advice.
Telephone number: 020 7974 4444
Website: camden.gov.uk/registrars
Email: registeroffice@camden.gov.uk
In person: during our opening times.

Camden
Town Hall

| 15 |

Celebrate your wedding at The Bloomsbury Hotel where old-world grandeur blends with memorable, modern luxury in
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Have
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Located in the heart of Covent Garden is the Hospital Club, a unique and quirky private members club specifically
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Whatever your dreams for your wedding day involve, wed love to help you make them come true at The Hospital Club.
E: events@thehospitalclub.com
T: 020 7170 9148
W: www.thehospitalclub.com

When it comes to your wedding, you

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At the MIC, were passionate about putting our
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Its just the same with helping facilitate your plans

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wedding ceremony licence reception & dinner accommodation

email Shelley Mclean salesmanager@thewesley.co.uk

th
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get in touch
020 7380 0001
www.thewesley.co.uk

ST STEPHENS, ROSSLYN HILL, NW3

ST STEPHENS, ROSSLYN HILL, NW3

Recently
restored, this Grade I listed building is available for hire as a unique venue for

The Britannia
Hampstead Hotel
Wedding Bonanza
Special Offer... Why not enjoy

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Fora enquiries
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Recently restored,
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I listed
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wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions. St Stephens is an ideal
020 7433
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competitively priced setting for your gathering, however small or large. For enquiries and
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the luxury and fine food of the Britannia Hampstead

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Wedding Offer
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Team that loves to thrill

Facing Regents Canal, outdoor terrace area,
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Licensed for Civil Ceremonies
Capacity from 10 to 300 guests
Holiday Inn London - Camden Lock
30 Jamestown Road, London, NW1 7BY
Call 0207 482 8074 or Email: events@hicamdenlock.co.uk
HILondonCamdenLock
or visit: www.holidayinncamden.co.uk

1499
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Call Lucia Holicka on: 0207 586 2233

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E: conf713@britanniahotels.com W: www.britanniahotels.com

tel: 020 7433 1272

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web: www.ststephenstrust.co.uk

tel: 020 7433 1272
e-mail: enquiries@ststephenstrust.co.uk
web: www.ststephenstrust.co.uk

WEDDINGS AT SENATE HOUSE

Senate House over the past year has developed

Magical Weddings
at
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Gilgamesh is one of the most exciting and visually stunning wedding and reception venues in London. Licensed to hold civil ceremonies and
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www.gilgameshbar.com
ww

For all enquiries please contact our Events Team on 0207 428 4922 or Email events@gilgameshbar.com

GORDON RAMSAY

w e d d i n g s at

WEDDINGS AT GRAYS INN

For a boutique, intimate and styLish wedding

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Fully licensed to host your civil ceremony,
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groupsandevents@gordonramsay.com or call 020 7592 1373
127-129 Parkway, London nw1 7Ps

Civil wedding & civil partnership ceremonies for up to 180 guests

Wedding receptions in Elizabethan Hall for up to 180 guests
Summer weddings in the garden marquee for up to 250 guests
In-house caterers providing exquisite cuisine and fine wines
Personalised and professional service
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Telephone: 020 7458 7960 Email: banqueting@graysinn.org.uk
www.graysinnbanqueting.com

www.gordonramsay.com

Please quote CCB13 when enquiring

into one of the capitals most popular wedding venues.

Having only obtained their wedding licence towards the
end of 2011 the art deco centre piece of the University
of London has seen bookings surge dramatically. Having
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is proving even more popular, with the majority of the
weekends for summer booked out for weddings.

Whether it is because it resembles some great secular

cathedral situated
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Its light, airy and classically proportioned internal spaces provide an inspiring
backdrop to formal occasions, while the nearby private gardens offer a pleasant
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www.senatehouseevents.co.uk
E: conference@london.ac.uk
T: 020 7862 8127

PARAMOUNT

W E D D I N G S AT B M A H O U S E
LONDON, WC1

BMA House is a stunning Grade II listed building located in fashionable Bloomsbury. A hidden gem of
grand proportions this beautiful house is available to hire for Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions.

HE NEO-CLASSICAL PALLADIAN design incorporates Portland Stone

facades, grand Archways and stone Corinthian Columns and
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Please contact us for more information and a brochure.
Call 020 7874 7020 or email events@bma.org.uk
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www.facebook.com/BMAHouse/weddings
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On the top three floors of Centre Point.

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Your perfect day just got better!

The Secret to a perfect wedding day lies in the details, our dedicated Wedding Manager will work
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The Prince Albert is licensed to hold marriages and civil partnerships on the premises.

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www.princealbertcamden.com

YOURE BEGINNING A WONDERFUL NEW JOURNEY

Where better to celebrate it than at one of the worlds grandest and most romantic
buildings? A celebration at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a very special affair,
imbued with all the romance of rails golden age, of fond farewells and longed-for
returns, and celebrated in the most elegant and evocative of settings
Please contact Georgina Bentley-Leek
georgina.bentley-leek@renaissancehotels.com
+44 (0)20 7841 3547

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel,

Euston Road, London NW1 2AR
stpancrasrenaissance.co.uk

Burgh House is a beautiful 18th

century home hidden amongst the
cobbled streets of one of Londons
loveliest villages. Its historic
panelled rooms provide a unique
and elegant backdrop for wedding
ceremonies, civil partnerships and
receptions, and our dedicated staff
guarantee the highest level of
service to ensure that your day is
truly memorable.

Find out more at

www.burghhouse.org.uk
or contact us
0207 431 0144
info@burghhouse.org.uk
Everyone at Burgh House made it a
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Olivia Mann Photography

Its your day, not ours

Licensed for civil ceremonies

Wedding reception capacity up to 180 guests
All inclusive package starts from just 59 per person
Number Twelve Restaurant - Nominated best Italian Restaurant in London
12 Upper Woburn Place, London, WC1H 0HX
Located in the literary district of Bloomsbury, a few minutes walk from Euston,
Kings Cross and Russell Square station
Call our Wedding Coordinator on 020 7693 5420 or email weddings@ambassadors.co.uk

Wedding directory
If youre thinking about celebrating your big day in Camden why not shop there too? You can
choose from a wide range of shops from booking your photography to buying your cake. We have
included a few below, but please visit icamden.co.uk for further choices.
Catering
Monicas Caterers Ltd
29 Agincourt Road, NW3 2PA
Phone: 020 7482 4276 Website: monicascaterers.co.uk
Canapes Gastronomiques
34 Cholmley Gardens, Kilburn, NW6 1AG
Phone: 020 7794 2017 Website: canapesgastronomiques.co.uk
Cakes
The Little Baker
94 Camden High Street, NW1 0LT
Phone: 020 7387 4947
Pat-A-Cake Pat-A-Cake
83 Dartmouth Park Road, NW5 1SL
Phone: 020 7485 0006
Photography
Sam Lane Photography
St Pancras
Phone: 07708 247248 Website: samlanephotography.co.uk
Danielle Photography
244 Weedington Road, NW5 4QQ
Phone: 07900 462252 Website: daniellephotography.co.uk
Wedding dress
Sesay Bridal Wear
203A Belsize Road, NW6 4AA
Phone: 020 7328 2822 Website: sesay-bridalwear.com
Soie Meme Bridal and Evening Wear
76 Belsize Park Gardens, NW3 4NG
Phone: 020 7483 3843 Website: theweddingportfolio.co.uk
Camden does not represent any supplier or endorse the contents posted on this page and any use of the suppliers shall
be at the purchasers sole risk.

| 28 |

Camden Registration Services

Register office
Camden town hall
Judd Street
London WC1H 9JE
Phone: 020 7974 4444
Website: camden.gov.uk/registrars
Email: registeroffice@camden.gov.uk

Produced by Camden communications 2319.1 12/13

Tel: 020 7974 1985 Published April 2013