Births, deaths and marriages FAQs

Where and when should I register the birth?
Who should go to register?
What information will I be asked for?
When do I get the birth certificate?
Can I register a birth when a child is older?
How do I register a child conceived after fertility treatment?
How do I re-register a child born via a surrogacy arrangement?
How do I correct an error?
Can I change my child's forenames?
Can I change my child's surname?
Can I use a name different from my birth record?
Can the natural father's details be added to the birth record if the parents are unmarried?
Can the details be changed if a court has issued a Declaration of Parentage since the original registration?
What happens if the father died before the child was conceived (by fertility treatment)?
How can I re-register a child where the father died before the child was conceived?
How do I register a baby born abroad?
I was adopted - how do I find out more?
I live in Ealing but my baby was born in another district what should I do?
How do I register a death?
What documents do I need to bring?
What documents will I be given after registration?
The death has been referred to the coroner for a post mortem or inquest what should I do next?
I wish to take the body of the deceased out of England and Wales how should I proceed?
A death occurred abroad what is the process to register the death and bring the body back to the UK?
Can I give notice of marriage if my partner doesn't live in England or Wales?
Where can I get married?
Where can I arrange for a civil marriage?
Civil weddings can take place in hotels, stately homes and other historic buildings if the venue has been licensed by the local authority. A full list of approved premises in England and Wales can be obtained from the General Register Office for a £5 fee. Tel: (0151) 471 4817.

The following are approved premises in the London Borough of Ealing:
- Bridge Hotel, Western Avenue, Greenford. Tel: (020) 8566 6246
- Ealing Town Hall (halls of various size). Tel: (020) 8758 5732
- Pitzhanger Manor. Tel: (020) 8567 1227
- Ramada Jarvis London West, Ealing Common. Tel: (020) 8896 8400
You can marry in any approved premises in any district in England and Wales. Notice of marriage still has to be given in the district where you live. State marriage fees do not apply to marriages at approved premises because the local authority sets the fees. The fees set by the borough of Ealing are £350 on Saturdays and £450 on Sundays. Note: a marriage in approved premises can only be by a civil marriage ceremony.
Can I get married at home?
Can I get married abroad?
I am already married outside of the United Kingdom. Do I need to register here?
I have married in the UK by religious or custom marriage outside of the Marriage Act 1949 - what should I do?
Can I pre-purchase grave space?
Where can I buy a new grave?
Where can I buy a cremation plot?
Are there any Muslim burial areas?
Why have I only been sold the grave for a set period of time, I want it forever?
Can anyone else be buried in the grave I own if I don't want them to/ without my permission?
Why are graves dug so deep?
Is the grave filled in straight after a funeral or left until the next day?
Why do some people stay until the grave is filled before leaving?
Can anyone witness the grave being filled?
Who is responsible for a memorial?
Why is a memorial permit needed?
When are the cemeteries open?
Do you arrange cremations?
What is a green burial?
Can you trace my ancestors?