One of the parties wishing to be united in marriage should apply for a copy of the marriage forms (see 16.54) to the registering officer of the area meeting under the auspices of which they wish the marriage to take place. Form A is a joint declaration of intention of marriage, stating the time and place of the meeting for worship at which it is desired that the marriage may be solemnised. If necessary the date and time (but not the place) of the marriage may be omitted when filling in form A, but in such cases particulars should be sent to the registering officer as soon as possible. Before form A is completed the registering officer should be satisfied that there is no evident difficulty in the intended marriage being held at the time and place proposed. Form A should be completed and returned (together with form B and/or C if appropriate) to the registering officer not less than six weeks before the date of the intended marriage. It need not be signed by both parties at the same time or in the presence of each other, but the signature of each of the parties must be attested by one adult witness. The registering officer should meet with both the parties to discuss their application and to give such advice and assistance as may be necessary. If this proves impossible, the registering officer should ask the registering officer of an area convenient for the parties to meet with them. The registering officer should also consider whether there might be advantage in meeting the parties separately.
Next: 16.13
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