Registration Services

The registration of births, deaths and marriages is a service provided by East Sussex County Council. As well as recording current events, the service also archives all events for those who wish to research their family history.

The Registration Service for the Wealden area is based in Crowborough and may be contacted on 01892 653803.

Registering a Birth

The birth of a baby must be registered within 42 days of birth. Registration is free. Babies are often registered at hospital soon after birth.

When the baby is registered a 'short' version of the birth certificate is issued that will satisfy most needs for identification, though a 'full' certificate will be required when applying for a passport. This service costs £3.50 and provides a full copy of the register entry.

Registering a Death

When an individual dies, a doctor treating the deceased will issue a medical certificate to the relatives giving notification of cause of death.

A 'qualified informant' must then take this certificate to the Registry Office within five days of the date of death. A qualified informant may be someone who was present at the death, the person responsible for organising the funeral or - if applicable - the manager of the residential or care home.

Registering a Marriage

The procedure for marriage registration depends on the kind of ceremony that is being planned. Unless a couple plan to marry in the Church of England or Church in Wales by Banns or Common License, the Registry Office in the district must be informed a full 16 days before the event. Both parties must appear in person at the Office in order for the event to be registered; it cannot be done by phone or by sending representatives.