Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships:

Q1. What are the opening times of the Council’s Registration Office?
A1. The opening times are as follows: Monday to Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm

Q2. Do I need to make an appointment?
A2. Yes, to make an appointment please telephone 028 4066 0600 or 028 4066 0614.        

Q3. Where can a birth, stillbirth or death be registered?
A3. A birth, still-birth or death that occurred in Northern Ireland can be registered in any Registration Office in Northern Ireland.

Q4. What are the timescales in relation to registration of a birth or death?
A4. A birth must be registered within 42 days of the date of birth and a death should be registered as soon as possible to allow funeral arrangements to be made but not later than 5 days from the date of occurrence except where the matter has been referred to the Coroner.                                                                                                                                            

Q5. Where can I obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate?
A5. Certified copies of birth and death registrations in Northern Ireland from 1 January 1997 may be obtained from District Registrars’ Offices in Northern Ireland. Certified copies of birth and death registrations in Northern Ireland from 1 January 1864 may be obtained from:-
General Register Office, Oxford House, 49-55 Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4HL
T: 0300 200 7890 or +44 (0)28 9082 1975  F: 028 9025 2121  E:gro.nisra@dfpni.gov.uk  W: www.nidirect.gov.uk   

Q6. How and when should Notice of Marriage be given?
A6. By law both parties to a proposed marriage must submit completed marriage notice forms, relevant documents, declarations and fees to the Registrar of the District in which the marriage is to take place, informing the Registrar of their intention to marry. Notice must be given in the 12 month period prior to the date of marriage and not later than 14 days before the date of marriage. Notice forms may be submitted in person or by post.

Timing is important. Normally notices should be with the Registrar about 8 weeks before the marriage but if either party has been married before, the notices should be with the Registrar 10 weeks beforehand. The minimum period is 14 days before the date of the proposed marriage. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Registrar General authorise a marriage to take place if 14 days’ notice has not been given.

At some point prior to the date of the marriage the parties will be requested to attend at the Registrar’s Office to finalise the arrangements, and/or collect the marriage schedule.

Q7. What are the choices of venues for marriage ceremonies?
A7. Civil marriages may be solemnised in the Registrars’ Offices or in places which have been approved by the District Councils. Religious marriages, with the approval of the Religious Body, may be solemnised anywhere in Northern Ireland.   
 
Q8. Where can I obtain a copy of a marriage certificate?
A8. Certified copies of marriage registrations in Northern Ireland from 1 April 2004 may be obtained from District Registrars’ Offices in Northern Ireland. Certified copies of marriage registrations in Northern Ireland dating from 1 April 1845 for non-Roman Catholic marriages and 1 January 1864 for all marriages may be obtained from:-
General Register Office, Oxford House, 49-55 Chichester Street, Belfast BT1 4HL
T: 0300 200 7890 or +44 (0)28 9082 1975  F: 028 9025 2121  E: gro.nisra@dfpni.gov.uk  W: www.nidirect.gov.uk    

Q9. Where can a civil partnership take place?
A9. A civil partnership may be registered in a District Registrar’s Office or in an approved venue for civil partnerships. Civil partnerships can only be performed by the District Registrar.
 
Q10. How can I submit or ask a question about a birth, death, marriage or civil partnership?
A10. You can submit a question by selecting ’Contact Us’ link in the left hand navigation listing. Alternatively, you can contact the local Registrar directly on 028 4066 0614.