Wedding Checklist

Lambeth Council has over 20 licensed venues to choose from, from ancient livery halls to modern restaurants. Many couples enter their union at the beautiful and historic Lambeth Town Hall.

If you would like to arrange a viewing of our ceremony rooms at Lambeth Town Hall, please email us at love@lambeth.gov.uk and include your contact details and preferred time and date within our opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).  Viewings will last 30 minutes at most, and we will need at least one weeks’ notice to organise a viewing. 

Once you’ve decided where you want to hold your marriage/civil partnership ceremony, you will need to book a Lambeth registrar for that date and time. 

If you have booked a room in our town hall a registrar is included with your booking however, if you've chosen another licensed venue, you will need to book your venue and then book the registrars to attend your venue.

 After you have booked your ceremony, you are both legally required to give a notice of marriage/civil partnership at your local registry office.

This means making an in-person appointment to see a registrar to show them proof of your identity, nationality, immigration status, address and that you are legally free to enter this union together.  This can be done 12 months in advance but must be done at least 29 days before the ceremony (subject to your immigration status).  For individuals subject to immigration control, the notice period may be extended to 71 days by the Home Office.

The statutory fee for giving notice of marriage/civil partnership is £35 per person, or £47 per person if one or both of you are subject to immigration control. This is payable when you book via your local council’s website or on the day that the notice is given. 

We advise you to do this as soon as permitted, as many offices are very busy, especially during the summer period and may not have appointments for several months. 

Please note: you can give notice before booking your venue and registrars if you prefer, but first confirm that the venue can accommodate your ceremony as the notice is venue specific and cannot be changed. If you then decide you want to change your venue, you will need to apply for a new notice. 

If you didn’t pay the full fee at the time of booking, you will be reminded to make the final payment at least three months before your ceremony date.

We will send you information about the choices you can make to personalise your ceremony, and ask you to complete a form with your decisions. We ask you to return this at least a month before the ceremony.

We advise arriving at least 20 minutes before your ceremony and our registrars will take care of the rest

We hope this list of Frequently Asked Questions helps you plan your ceremony day.

What time should I/my wedding party arrive for my ceremony?  

You should arrive for your ceremony 30 minutes before your allotted time. This is to allow for you and your partner to be interviewed prior to your ceremony. If you do not wish to see each other before the ceremony, one of you should arrive 30 minutes in advance and the other 15 minutes ahead so we can conduct your interviews separately. Guests are welcome 30 minutes ahead too, please ask them to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the ceremony is due to start. They will be shown to the ceremony room. We will not be able to delay the start time of a ceremony to accommodate latecomers.

Can I get ready at the Town Hall?  

We do not have any changing facilities at Lambeth Town Hall, so we ask that you arrive fully dressed. You can book a pre ceremony preparation session if you wish to arrive earlier. 

Do I need to bring ID/paperwork on the day of my ceremony? 

You do not need to bring anything on the day. As you would have provided identification when giving notice of intention, you do not need to do so again on the day of your ceremony. 

Who can be my witness and how many witnesses do I need to bring? Do they need to bring ID?  

For marriage, witnesses are required to observe you make your verbal contract of marriage, and to sign the marriage schedule. For Civil Partnerships they have to witness you signing the schedule as it is a written contract.  Witnesses must be present throughout the ceremony, and not be involved in other roles which may distract them, such as taking photographs. 

Your witnesses need to speak and understand English, and should be over the age of 18. They can be friends, family members or strangers and they do not need to bring ID on the day. You must supply your own witnesses – Lambeth Register Office staff cannot act as witnesses. 

Can I choose a specific registrar? 

Registrars are randomly allocated to each ceremony. Whilst we are happy to consider a request for a registrar that you have spoken with whilst making enquiries or you may have met in person, it may not always be possible for them to attend your ceremony based on work patterns or personal commitments etc.  

We have a very diverse workforce in Lambeth that reflects our community. We celebrate and are very proud of this. We will not consider requests to allocate registrars based on individual characteristics. 

Please be assured that all of our registrars would be delighted to be a part of your celebrations and will deliver your ceremony with the utmost professionalism. 

Can I meet my registrar before the day of the ceremony?  

Unfortunately, based on work patterns, it will not be possible to meet with your registrar prior to the day, but we can arrange a telephone call instead. You will still need to meet with the registrars on the day of your ceremony before it begins.

Can my friend conduct my ceremony?  

Your ceremony needs to be conducted by a Lambeth registrar or a registrar currently working in another district. However, friends and family are welcome to give readings during the ceremony. 

Can I personalise the ceremony or write my own vows? 

Yes. As long as you and your partner exchange the required legal words, you are free to amend the scripts and/or add your own readings, personal vows etc. Any additions to the ceremony must not contain religious content.

Do we have to exchange rings?  

No. You can leave this out of your ceremony altogether, especially if you wish to do this another day, or you can exchange other symbols of commitment, as long as your registrar is happy that it is in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. 

How long do we have use of the room for at Lambeth Town Hall?  

You are granted access to your chosen room 20 minutes prior to your ceremony. The ceremony will normally last approximately 20 - 25 minutes. If your ceremony is taking place in the Bowie Room, Pauline Room or Olive Morris Suite, you will be required to vacate the space shortly after the ceremony has taken place. If your ceremony is taking place in one of or other rooms at Lambeth Town Hall, you may stay in the room for another hour. 

Can we change the layout of the room/decorate the marriage rooms at Lambeth Town Hall? 

The Bowie / Pauline / Olive Morris rooms each have a fixed layout and we cannot remove chairs from the rooms. If your ceremony is taking place in one of or other rooms at Lambeth Town Hall, please speak to the venues team regarding your preferred layout and the amount of chairs you require.

Can we change to a larger room if we need to?  

Yes, but please be aware that it will depend on room availability and an amendment fee may be applicable. 

Are there flowers in the rooms? Can we bring our own?  

There are always floral arrangements in the ceremony rooms. Additional flower arrangements can be brought and added to the permanent arrangements in the room if they are easy to put up and can be removed directly afterwards by the wedding party. Please let us know in advance if you plan to do this. 

Can we have a photographer at Lambeth Town Hall?  

Yes, you may have a photographer and or videographer present – they will NOT be counted as guests, therefore not adding to the numbers. We ask all photographers to work with, and respect the direction of, the registrars who will support them to get the best shots and make wonderful memories of your ceremony. You can book a photography add on session if you wish to extend your time. 

Can I have my own music or hire a musician for the ceremony at Lambeth Town Hall?  

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own pre-recorded music or organise a live performer (with the exclusion of amps or disruptively loud instruments such as bagpipes or Dhol drums). Musicians are counted as a guest in the numbers permitted in each room. We also have Bluetooth speakers so please ensure that any recorded music is downloaded to a smart device e.g. phone or tablet.  We recommend playing music in three places: entrance, document signing & exit. Please be aware that music cannot be religious in nature – incidental references to a god or deity is acceptable, but the piece must be essentially non-religious in context.  

Can we have a drinks reception at Lambeth Town Hall?  

If your ceremony is taking place in one of our Town Hall Rooms (such as Circular Hall, Mayor’s Heritage Suite, Council Chamber), you are welcome to stay for an hour following your ceremony, and have a drinks reception. We are happy to assist with glass hire, and store your drinks up to 48 hours in advance of your ceremony. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate drinks receptions in The Bowie / Pauline / Olive Morris rooms. 

We are staying for a drinks reception - can we also bring food?

Absolutely! But we ask that food is already cooked, and ideally plated and ready to serve. Absolutely no hot food is permitted, and no food heater / lamps are permitted within any of our ceremony rooms. We also offer a two-hour hire of the kitchen area for catering suppliers. 

Can we have confetti? 

Unfortunately, Confetti/rice is not allowed at ceremonies taking place at Lambeth Town Hall. This includes out in the courtyard, on or around the steps to the Town Hall, and in the adjacent areas. Please make sure that if your ceremony is taking place at Lambeth Town Hall, that all your guests are aware of this. We encourage you to be creative, and recommend bringing bubbles, which can be used in any of our locations. 

Directions/Transport/Parking

What is the best way to get to Lambeth Town Hall? 

Brixton underground station is within a 5-minute walk of the building, and Brixton Train Station is only a minute or so further away. There are also a variety of bus stops on Brixton Road. There are good transport links from Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras, as well as South London / Kent.

Is there somewhere for my wedding car/bus to park outside? 

There is a pick-up and drop-off point on Buckner Road, but vehicles are not permitted to wait there. Parking is restricted in the surrounding streets and parking fees will apply. Guests may wish to park in Tescos / Lidl, though restrictions do also apply there. If you are hiring a bus for your wedding, please let us know at least a week before your ceremony, so that we can let our parking team know to expect them. 

Further Information – Lambeth Town Hall:

Is there a disabled toilet in the building?  

Yes, there are several disabled toilets located at Lambeth Town Hall.

Can our dog or cat attend the ceremony? 

We welcome well behaved cats and dogs to the Town Hall. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring any dogs or cats so we can make a note on your booking. Please ensure that one of your guests can look after your pet during the ceremony and is happy to take it outside if it becomes unsettled. If your pet makes a mess during the ceremony you must clear it up and you may be liable for any cleaning costs incurred.

Is there a loop system?  

No, there is no loop system in the building. 

Can we bring helium balloons?  

Unfortunately not, as our ceilings at Lambeth are very high and stray balloons are difficult to retrieve! 

Can we have candles?  

For health and safety reasons naked flames are not permissible.

Where should my guests leave pushchairs/luggage?  

They are to be left in the reception foyer, to save space in the ceremony rooms. These areas are open and we will not accept responsibility for the items.   

I don’t live in Lambeth, can I still get married in this borough?  

Yes, of course. You may still have to give notice in your home borough.

I have given my notice of intention. Will you let me know when it has been issued?  

We will only contact you if there has been a problem with your notice. If you have given notice elsewhere for a ceremony in Lambeth, we will be automatically informed that you have done so - you don’t need to inform us. 

Venue weddings around Lambeth

What time will the registrars be at my venue? 

The registrars will be at the venue 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Both parties will need be available to meet with the registrars at the ceremony venue no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony start time, to complete the legal preliminaries. Your venue must supply a private room away from your guests for this purpose. If you would prefer to be seen separately by the registrars we ask that one of you is available to meet them 30 minutes before the start time of your ceremony and the other is available to meet them 15 minutes before. 

Certificates

When will I receive my marriage/Civil Partnership certificate?  

Your certificate(s) will be posted to you within a week of your ceremony. 

 Can I change the date of my ceremony ?  

Subject to availability you may be able to reschedule your ceremony.  There are administration charges and you may have additional ceremony fees to pay depending on the day/time and venue.