Couples invited to renew their vows as Artington House enters its final chapter

For 92 years, Artington House has helped Surrey residents mark some of life's most important milestones. As the historic Guildford register office prepares to close its doors on 31 October 2026, we are inviting couples to book their ceremony and become part of the final chapter of the building's 92 years of service to Surrey residents.

Residents are also encouraged to share photographs and memories of ceremonies held at Artington House to help preserve its unique place in Surrey's history.

Preserving Surrey's historic records

Over the years, thousands of residents have passed through its doors, making Artington House an important part of Surrey's history. The building's vast basement vault houses around 15,000 registers, including approximately 6,000 birth registers, 4,300 death registers and 4,900 marriage registers. Together, they record life events across Surrey since civil registration began in 1837.

Among them are the records of well-known figures including Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Lewis Carroll, Emily Davison and Dame Penelope Keith.

A special place in Surrey's history

For the Surrey Registration Service team, Artington House is about far more than famous names and historic records.

Since becoming Guildford Register Office in 1934, Artington House has played a special role in the lives of Surrey families. For generations, people have passed through its doors to mark some of life's most significant moments, from registering the arrival of a new child to remembering a loved one. Along the way, registrars have supported bereaved relatives with compassion and helped thousands of couples say "I do".

Reflecting on their recent ceremony, one customer said: "My partner and I got married at Artington House last weekend, and we had the most wonderful experience. […] everything was brilliant and we felt guided and looked after the entire time. The team are so kind, informative and accommodating, and the building is beautiful too! The ceremony was the single best experience of my life, and I’m so grateful to Surrey Ceremonies for helping to make it so amazing!".

Be part of the final chapter

On Sunday 27 September 2026, couples are invited to renew their vows at Artington House as part of a special event marking the building's 92 years of service to Surrey residents.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone anniversary, reaffirming your commitment or simply looking for a meaningful way to mark your relationship, it's a chance to celebrate in one of Surrey's best-loved ceremony venues.

Couples wishing to book a renewal of vows ceremony can complete the Ceremonies Enquiry Form and a member of the ceremonies team will be in touch.

There is also still time for couples to marry or form a civil partnership at Artington House, subject to availability. Anyone planning a ceremony should remember that legal Notice of Marriage or Civil Partnership must be given at least 29 days before the ceremony date. Further information can be found on the Surrey Ceremonies website.

As Artington House enters its final chapter, we'd be delighted to receive and share photographs of ceremonies held there over the years. Selected photographs that are uploaded will be shared on our social media channels as part of our farewell to Artington House, helping us celebrate its place in Surrey's history and the memories created there.

While this chapter in Artington House's history is coming to an end, the memories made there will continue to be shared by Surrey families for generations to come.