Genealogy Chat

There was a thread on the subject of Marriage Certs issued by 'local' Register Offices last year, when members related their own experiences in a sort of mini-survey..

Sadly, it was established the majority of RO's only issue a hand or type written copy of the register - all the ones I own or have seen are like that - and it was indeed rare to receive an image of the original signed entry. Also smaller offices can tend to be more helpful than the larger ones, who can sometimes be very impersonal even putting requests for genealogical research certs at the bottom of the pile.

Another interesting fact to emerge was in regard to members own marriage certs. Several, including myself have a copy which bears our own signatures and those of the witnesses. Others reported that they received a handwritten copy, sometimes a few days later. It seemed to depend on where the marriage took place, ours being a non-conformist church.

Just to say thanks you to all for the information. Sorry I had to go the other day.
Topaz

The fee for a certificate issued by a Register Office is £9.00, so it is less than the GRO. If the register is not yet closed, i.e. it is a relatively recent birth then the fee is £7.00, although this is unlikely to be the case for genealogical research.

However, this assumes you collect in person. Some charge postage on top, others may not, others may expect you to supply a stamped addressed envelope. Check with their website for individual details.

Topaz, you can also order from the local register office of the area in which the event took place. The GRO reference is of no use to them, just give details of the names and dates. Most charge £9.50 plus postage, EDIT £9.00, but the marriage certs you get are copies of the originals, so you get your rellies' handwriting to see (if they were capable of signing). It is also worthwhile getting a rapport with the local register offices cos they will often "go the extra mile" to find something you aren't sure about.

And my husband has been a skydiver for over 45 years. I could get another 500 certs and still not have spent as much.

Ozi

My husband has a season ticket to Macclesfield Town Football Club. They aren't doing too badly this season, but I stil think the amount I spend on family history is better value for money!

Margaret

Yes it can cost a fair bit once certs, website subs and FTM type computer progs are taken into account, but I'm useless at golf and that would cost even more!

Andy

Many thanks Andy. I will order them soon. It is an expensive hobby isn't it!?!

Topaz

You can order from

www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/

You need to register first(free) and then complete the details

You need the names, area, Volume and Page.

Tick the box when asked if you have the fullGRO ref.

Each cert is £9.25 (pay by debit/credit card) and takes about 5 days to arrive in post. You can't view online.

Do not use other sites which charge up to £50 for exactly the same service (They order from GRO as well).

Andy

Can you advise me how to order marriage certificates please? I have the ref/number so now want to order them.