Reading Registry Office

Registry Services in Reading

Reading Register Office is located in the Civic Offices on Bridge Street, serving the UK’s largest town and county town of Berkshire. Situated at the historic confluence of the Rivers Thames and Kennet, Reading has been a settlement since the 8th century. The office operates from a modern civic building with temporary separate entrances during the construction of the new Central Library, offering both intimate ceremony rooms and access to the magnificent Reading Town Hall for larger celebrations.

How to Apply for Certificates

Booking Your Appointment

Reading Register Office operates on an appointment-only basis. You can book appointments by calling 0118 937 3533 or emailing register.office@reading.gov.uk. Use the separate Bridge Street entrance specifically for registration services. During construction of the new Central Library, please check where your appointment is taking place as most notice of marriage appointments occur in the Civic Centre.

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 processed within 15 working days. Priority service costs £38.50 for next-day delivery if ordered before 4pm. The Register Office ceremony room accommodates couples plus two witnesses for intimate ceremonies on the first Tuesday of each month. For larger celebrations, the historic Reading Town Hall offers grand rooms with chandeliers and stained glass windows.

Planning Your Visit

Location and Transport

Reading Register Office is perfectly positioned in the UK’s largest town center, with excellent transport connections including Reading Railway Station (opened 1840) providing direct links to London, Oxford, and the West Country. The Civic Offices are located on Bridge Street with temporary construction arrangements. The M4 motorway provides easy access, and the town serves as a major commercial and retail center for the Thames Valley.

Parking and Access

Visitor parking is unavailable at the Civic Centre during construction. Use nearby parking bays in Fobney Street, The Oracle Shopping Centre, or public transport into the town center. The nearest blue badge spaces are in St Mary’s Butts. The separate registration service entrance on Bridge Street has a buzzer system for access during the construction period.

Historic Thames Valley Setting

Reading sits at the confluence of the Rivers Thames and Kennet, offering beautiful riverside walks and historic sites including Reading Abbey ruins, the famous Maiwand Lion, and connections to Jane Austen who attended school here. The town is home to the University of Reading and hosts the renowned Reading Festival, making it a vibrant cultural center with rich heritage dating back to Saxon times.

UK’s Largest Town Setting

Reading Register Office offers couples:

• Historic Significance – County town of Berkshire with Saxon origins dating from 8th century
• Thames Confluence – Beautiful setting where Rivers Thames and Kennet meet
• Reading Town Hall – Grand Victorian venue with chandeliers and stained glass windows
• University Town – Home to University of Reading since 1926 with vibrant cultural scene
• Commercial Hub – Major business center with excellent transport links to London
• Abbey Heritage – Historic connection to Reading Abbey founded by Henry I in 1121