b'Frequently A skeduestionsWhats the difference between a marriageWhat time do we need to arrive? and a civil partnership?You are both required to meet with the Registrar A marriage in England and Wales can be between same-seximmediately before your ceremony for a brief interview or opposite sex couples. Marriages can be civil or religious. to verify your personal details. These interviews can be In order for a civil marriage to be legal you must each sayconducted together or separately if you do not wish to prescribed vows in a licensed venue in the presence of ansee each other before the ceremony. Your arrival time will authorised Registrar and two witnesses. depend on where your ceremony is taking place, and you A civil partnership in England and Wales is currently onlywill be advised what time you will need to arrive by the available to same-sex couples. However the Government Ceremonies Hub. has announced plans to introduce civil partnerships toWhat if the number of our guests increases?opposite-sex couples, which will be available from 2020. Each Register Office ceremony room and licensed venue A civil partnership is formed once each of you have has a maximum capacity set by the fire regulations. If the read a legal declaration and signed the civil partnershipnumber of your guests exceeds this then some of yourschedule.guests may have to wait outside.The law prevents any religious content during a civilAlternatively you may be able to transfer your ceremony to marriage or civil partnership ceremony. a larger ceremony room if there is one available. To enquire The legal preliminaries to a civil marriage and civilabout a larger ceremony room contact your chosen venue. partnership (Giving Notice) have the same waiting timesIf your ceremony is taking place at an East Sussex Register and documents needed.Office contact us on 0345 60 80 198.East Sussex Register Office ceremony room capacities can What do we have to do before we can getbe found on pages 19-24 and include you, your partner and married or form a civil partnership?all children.In order to be married or form a civil partnership youare both legally required to Give Notice, in person, at aIs there disabled access at the Register Offices? Register Office. Giving Notice requires you to provideAll four of our Register Offices have at least one accessible certain documents proving your name, address, nationalityceremony room.etc. You can do this up to one year before the ceremony,If you or your guests have any accessibility issues please let but this must be completed at least one month before us know as soon as possible on 0345 60 80 198. your ceremony. For further information see page 12 orwww.ceremoniesineastsussex.co.uk/giving-notice 54Ceremonies in East Sussex'