Doncaster's new register office set to open

The authority will base its register office weddings at the grade 2 listed Priory Place, which is next door to the Mansion House in the heart of town.

It is currently being refurbished ahead of the change, with the first wedding set to take place on May 24.

The change in venue for Register Office ceremonies is part of a programme of change for Doncaster’s registration service.

An area of the council’s Civic offices has also been transformed into new registrar’s offices, creating a ‘one-stop’ centre for registering births and deaths, making the process easier for customers.

These new offices will also be used for couples giving their Notice of Intention to marry.

Meeting rooms on the ground floor of the civic office have been converted into registrar rooms, a waiting area and a new ceremony room for statutory weddings, which will remain available at the current rate of £50.

Simon Wiles, director of finance and corporate services, said: “I am confident these new facilities will significantly improve the registrar service, offering an attractive venue for weddings at Priory Place.

“While we know many people have loved the existing register office, over the years it has started to look dated and is no longer fit for purpose.

“It is also great that the civic office will now become the one place you need to go to register a birth or a death.

“During these times, the last thing you want to have to worry about is going around different council buildings trying to find a registrar, and these changes will make the whole process a lot easier for people.”

Concerns were raised when it was announced the register office was to move from Elmfield House.

Undertaker and former councillor Richard Walker was concerned that the new venue would not be as attractive.