At home or in hospital

You are allowed to marry in a private house, hotel or even outside in a garden if the marriage is conducted according to Jewish religious rites and providing both parties are of Jewish faith.  The ceremony can take place at any time and does not have to be within the usual hours for marriage, which are 8am to 6pm.

A person who is housebound is able to marry in their own home.  A doctor must be prepared to sign a statement confirming that the person is unable to be moved, for a period of 3 months, to a place normally registered for marriage.  The statement form can  be obtained from your local Register Office and must be signed not more than 14 days before giving notice.  Both parties are required to give notice of marriage in the district/s of residence.  In the case of the housebound person the notice will have to be taken at home.  This will incur an extra fee on top of the usual notice fee.  The marriage must take place within 3 months of giving the first notice.

A person who is terminally ill is able to marry in a house or hospital.  In these circumstances a doctor must sign a letter confirming that he/she is in medical attendance on the person and that the patient is terminally ill.  The letter must state that the person can not be moved to a place where marriages would normally take place.  The importance of the marriage ceremony is also emphasized.  Once the Registrar General has issued the licence for marriage the ceremony can take place.  This may be on the same day that the arrangements are made.  It is a requirement that the marriage must take place within one month of giving the notice.  Under these circumstances only one notice is given.