Nottingham Registry Office

Registry Services in Nottingham

Nottingham Registry Office is magnificently housed in the iconic Council House on Old Market Square, one of England’s most prestigious Neo-Baroque civic buildings. Built between 1927-1929 and designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt, this Grade II* listed landmark serves as both the heart of Nottingham’s city centre and the premier registration office. The building features the famous “Little John” bell, the deepest toned clock bell in the UK, and is guarded by two iconic stone lions named Agamemnon and Menelaus, making it an extraordinary venue for life’s most important moments.

How to Apply for Certificates

Booking Your Appointment

Nottingham Registry Office operates exclusively on an appointment-only basis. You can book appointments by calling 0115 841 5554 or emailing office.register@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. Located in the magnificent Council House with its 200-foot dome dominating Nottingham’s skyline, advance booking is essential. For Council House ceremonies, a £75 deposit is required with balance payable one month before the ceremony date.

Required Documents

When applying for any certificate, you’ll need to provide:

• Valid photo identification (passport, driving licence)
• Full name as registered on the original certificate
• Date of event (birth or marriage)
• Place where event was registered
• For births: mother’s maiden name
• For marriages: spouse’s full name

Processing and Fees

Standard certificates cost £12.50 and are typically processed within 7 days. Priority/24-hour service is available for same-day or next working day dispatch when applications are received before 3pm. Notice of marriage fees are £42 or £57 each. The historic Council House offers multiple ceremony room options with reception packages available from £1,000 to £2,250 for exclusive venue hire.

Planning Your Visit

Location and Transport

Nottingham Registry Office is located in the Council House at the heart of Old Market Square, Nottingham’s historic city centre. The venue is easily accessible via Nottingham’s excellent tram network, railway connections to London St Pancras, and comprehensive bus services. The central location provides direct access to shopping, dining, and accommodation, making it ideal for wedding parties and guests.

Robin Hood’s City

Located in Nottingham, the legendary home of Robin Hood and a vibrant modern city steeped in history. The combination of medieval heritage, industrial heritage, and contemporary culture provides couples with diverse backdrops for wedding photography, from the historic Market Square and Castle grounds to the beautiful Nottingham Arboretum and the modern Lace Market district.

Parking and Access

While the Council House doesn’t have dedicated parking, numerous city centre car parks are available within walking distance. The building features full accessibility with ground-level access available. The central location means most amenities are within easy walking distance, and the iconic dome serves as a landmark visible throughout the city.

Historic Council House Architecture

Nottingham Registry Office is housed in one of England’s most impressive civic buildings featuring:

• Neo-Baroque Grandeur – Designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt and built 1927-1929, replacing the former Nottingham Exchange
• Iconic Lions – Two 2-tonne Art Deco stone lions “Agamemnon” and “Menelaus” guard the entrance steps
• Grand Ballroom – Elegant ceremony venue with ornate decorations and capacity for larger celebrations
• Dining Room – Beautiful ceremony space with period features and reception capabilities
• Little John Bell – The UK’s deepest toned clock bell, audible for seven miles throughout Nottingham
• 200-foot Dome – Crowning the Old Market Square as Nottingham’s most recognizable landmark since 1929