Published: 28 July 2026
Couples looking for an intimate ceremony will soon be able to celebrate their special day in the heart of Guildford, as Surrey County Council's Registration Service collaborates with the Harbour Hotel Guildford to provide register office ceremonies at the hotel.
From Sunday 6 September 2026, ceremonies for between 2 and 18 guests will be available in a dedicated ceremony room at the Harbour Hotel Guildford, 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street, Guildford, GU1 3DA. Ceremonies will take place every Sunday and Monday until 31 March 2027, and bookings are now open through the Surrey Ceremonies website.
Couples interested in holding their ceremony at this venue can attend a showcase event on Sunday 23 August 2026 between 12pm and 3pm, where they will have the opportunity to view the ceremony room, meet members of the Registration Service team and find out more about the ceremonies conducted by Surrey County Council’s Registration Service at the hotel.
Artington House, the current location for Guildford Register Office is where birth, death and notice appointments as well as ceremonies are currently held. Ceremonies will continue to be held at Artington House until it closes on Saturday 31 October 2026, allowing couples and families with existing bookings to celebrate their special occasions at the Register Office as planned.
Couples wishing to hold their ceremony at Artington House are encouraged to book as soon as possible ahead of the final ceremony date on Saturday 31 October 2026. There is still availability, but couples should ensure that notice of marriage or civil partnership is given at least 29 days before a planned ceremony date.
Appointments for births, deaths and notice of marriage and civil partnerships will be moving to Guildford Library Hub in Guildford town centre from the end of October to early November. To help maintain normal service during the move to Guildford Library Hub, registration appointments may be offered at both Artington House and the Library for a short period. We will continue to keep customers updated as plans for the move progress.
The move forms part of plans to modernise services and bring them together in accessible community spaces, while ensuring residents continue to receive the same high-quality registration and ceremony services.
Councillor David Lewis, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said: “To provide better value and more efficient services for residents, we are moving towards the use of modern, efficient, multi-purpose buildings that allow multiple services to operate from a single location. Bringing registration services into the Library Hub will help us use our resources more effectively and improve access to services.
"We know Artington House has been the setting for many memorable occasions over the years, and we are pleased that ceremonies will continue there until the end of October 2026. We also look forward to introducing Sunday and Monday ceremonies at Harbour Hotel Guildford, providing additional choice and flexibility for couples and families across Surrey as we make this transition."
Nick Aristodemou, General Manager of Harbour Hotel Guildford: “We are delighted to be partnering with Surrey County Council to provide a new ceremony venue for couples in Guildford. Harbour Hotel Guildford has an established reputation for hosting exceptional celebrations and events, and we are pleased to extend that expertise to register office ceremonies.
"Alongside a beautiful setting, couples and their guests will have access to our award-winning hospitality, including dining, accommodation and wellness facilities, allowing them to continue their celebrations in one convenient location.”
Information about alternative ceremony venues across Surrey is available on the Surrey Ceremonies website.