• Preliminaries to marriage vary according to the method of solemnization. This guide provides general guidance but if you need further information please contact a Registrar of Marriages in your district or the General Register Office in Belfast.
  • Notice throughout this guide means notice of intended marriage.
  • Fees payable are set out in the fees section.

Section F
Registrar General's Licence

1. The Registrar General may issue a licence allowing a marriage between a couple, one of whom is either house-bound or detained as a prisoner or as a patient under the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986, to be solemnized at the residence of the person who is house-bound or detained.
   • Notice of marriage must be given by one of the parties to the Registrar of the district in which the marriage is to be solemnized.
2. If the parties live in different districts
   • notice must be given to the Registrar of each district.
   Further information about the requirements can be obtained from the Registrar.
3. The Registrar General's licence cannot be issued for a marriage
   • according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church between two persons professing the Roman Catholic religion
   • according to the customs of the Jews between two people professing the Jewish religion
   • according to the customs of the Society of Friends.