Fees to reschedule wedding ceremonies at Wolverhampton Register Office waived amid virus
Marriage notice fees for couples who will have to reschedule their big day due to coronavirus will be waived at Wolverhampton Register Office.
Couples intending to marry or form a civil partnership must give formal notice and pay a £50 fee per person.
But all ceremonies across the city have been cancelled due to coronavirus, with people potentially facing paying their fees again to reschedule.
Wolverhampton Council has said it will bear the brunt of the cost rather than penalise couples.
Council cabinet member Councillor Steve Evans, said: "It seemed to us totally unfair that couples would have to fork out another £100 for something that is not their fault.
"It is national policy to charge these fees, but it seems morally wrong to expect people to pay twice, so we have therefore taken the decision to waive these fees for any couples affected by this.
"The council will take a financial hit on this, but we are doing what is right and this is our way of trying to help these couples who have been through enough having to cancel their big day due to lockdown.
"If you are in the category of people whose notice of marriage/civil partnership expires during the lockdown period, then please do not contact the registry office as it is currently closed.
"We will contact you when this is all over to discuss your options for rescheduling."
It currently costs £50 per person in Wolverhampton which is made up of a £35 statutory fee and a £15 appointment booking fee.
Couples have 12 months from the date they give notice to get married.
The registry office is current closed – apart from registering deaths – and is unable to take any new notice applications, or reschedule any weddings.
Registrars are aware of which couples fall under the category of their notice expiring during lockdown and will contact those affected directly once the registry office reopens.
