Register Office FAQs

I want to make an appointment to register a death?  You cannot make an appointment to register a death as you need to wait until the Medical Examiner has contacted you, once this has taken place your contact details will be shared with the register office and a registration officer will ring you to make the appointment.

Do I still have to register a death within 5 days of the death occurring?  No, you need to register a death within 5 days of the registrar contacting you to make an appointment, the registrar will ring on day 1 of the 5 days when they have received the required paperwork from the Medical Examiner.

How much is a death certificate?  Death certificates cost £12.50 at the time of registration, any further copies are £38.50 as a priority or £12.50 using the standard service which is issued within 15 working days.

How much is a birth certificate? Birth certificates cost £12.50 at the time of registration, any further copies are £38.50 as a priority or £12.50 using the standard service which is issued within 15 working days.

How much is a marriage/civil partnership certificate?  Certificates cost £12.50 at the time of registration, any further copies are £38.50 as a priority or £12.50 using the standard service which is issued within 15 working days.

Where is the Register Office in St Helens?  The Register Office is a room within the Town Hall, it is used for statutory marriages and civil partnerships for the couple and two witnesses only for the statutory fee, this type of service is on a Wednesday morning at 9.30 am only.

What rooms can I get married at St Helens Town Hall?  We have a number of rooms within the Town Hall in which you can get married  these are the Ceremony Room which is available Monday to Saturday, the Legh Room which is available Monday & Tuesday only at 10 am, the Council Chamber Friday & Saturday only and the Main Hall Saturday only, there are limits to the number of people allowed in each room.

Can a relative be a witness at my wedding?  Yes as long as they are a credible witness over the age of 16 and can understand the nature and purport of the wedding ceremony.

Can I book a surprise wedding?  No, each person needs to give their own notice of marriage.

Can we bring our own flowers?  Yes, you can if your ceremony is booked as a package but silk flowers are provided in all rooms.  Many brides put their bouquet next the schedule when having photos taken.  We do ask that all flower arrangements are removed at the end of the ceremony as the room may be booked for another ceremony.

Can we put bows / chair covers on?  Yes, you can if your ceremony is booked as a package.  We regret for standard ceremonies this is not possible as the room may have been booked for other ceremonies that follow yours.

Is there a dress code?  There is no dress code, although we do expect that the ceremony be dignified.  Members of the armed forces are welcome to wear their uniform.

Can photographers take pictures during the ceremony?  Yes, this is the couples choice we will mock a signing the schedule picture to avoid any personnel information being photographed.

Is confetti allowed at the Town Hall?  Yes, as long as it is used outside and is biodegradable.

Can I pay for my wedding in instalments?  No, the payment options will be explained to you at the time of booking the ceremony, our office accepts card payments which can be made online or over the phone.