New guidelines have been introduced to tackle coronavirus (COVID-19). It means that the Register Office needs to introduce emergency measures to prioritise services.
Death registrations
Due to the coronavirus crisis, we have made some temporary changes to the way deaths are registered in Bolton. These are in line with government guidance and have been designed to protect the public and council employees, while ensuring all those affected are treated with dignity and respect.
The registration of all deaths will now be carried out over the phone. Until further notice, no face to face appointments to register a death will take place.
If you need to register a death, please call 01204 331185. We will then book you a telephone appointment to register the death. It is not currently possible to make a telephone appointment to register a death online.
If you need any help or advice, for example if your loved one’s death has been referred to the coroner, please again call the register office on 01204 331185.
We appreciate your patience and understanding at this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding.
Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies
From the 16th August 2021, the number of guests allowed in the QE II Ceremony Room will return to 50. In light of guidance from the government and public health, guests are politely requested to wear face coverings during the ceremony and at all times whilst in the building.
In order to reduce the risk of infection and ensure the safety of all those attending, the windows in the QEII room will be opened throughout the ceremony. Please note that this may however lead to some increased noise intrusion from the Town Hall square.
British citizenship ceremonies
Citizenship ceremonies are currently taking place virtually using Microsoft Teams. Once you receive your invitation letter form the Home Office, please email your name, telephone number and the email address you would like your ceremony invitation to be sent to. Once we have received authority from the Home Office, we will contact you via email with a Virtual Ceremony Date.
Applications for certificates
We will continue to issue copy birth, death or marriage certificates. To apply for a certificate you must apply online or telephone us - we are currently not offering this service face to face.
Please do not attend the office to obtain a certificate as we will be unable to process your request.