United Synagogue - Lifecycle - Marriage - Getting Married Outside London

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Getting Married Outside London

Getting Married Outside Of London

Frequently Asked Questions

We are getting married under the auspices of one of the Regional UK Congregations. Do we need to come to the Chief Rabbi’s Office in London as well?

If both of you are living outside London, you would normally apply and meet your local Orthodox Rabbi. He would then forward the application for marriage authorisation, on your behalf, to the Marriage Authorisation Office. If you both live in London and would prefer to attend the Office of the Chief Rabbi for this purpose, this can be easily arranged.

My parents weren’t married in an Orthodox synagogue. How do I proceed?

If they were not married in an Orthodox synagogue, you need to go further back in the maternal line, bringing a Ketubah from your grandparents or great-grandparents on the mother’s side, together with full birth certificates, showing the direct connection to you.

We are getting married in a synagogue which is under the auspices of the Federation of Synagogues or one of the Spanish & Portuguese Congregations. Do we need to apply for marriage authorisation through the Office of the Chief Rabbi?

No. These organisations operate under a different authority and you should apply directly to them through their relevant head office.

For other enquiries please contact:

Rabbi Dr J Shindler
Director of the Marriage Authorisation Office
Tel: 0208 343 6313
Email: rabbi.shindler@chiefrabbi.org