At a Glance
- Tasks: Register and conduct meaningful ceremonies, ensuring a memorable experience for customers.
- Company: Join a supportive team making a real impact in local communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, full training provided, and diverse benefits to support your journey.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and professionalism!
- Why this job: Be part of special moments in people's lives while working in beautiful locations.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service.
Are you passionate about delivering excellent customer service? If you enjoy working in a varied, people-focused environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. We have an exciting opportunity for 12 individuals to join our Ceremonies Team as Ceremonies Registrars. This is a truly rewarding role where you will play a part in some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. Every year we register thousands of births and deaths, as well as conducting hundreds of weddings and civil partnerships. We also facilitate Citizenship Ceremonies for hundreds of people and reproduce tens of thousands of certificates from our historic archives dating back to 1837. People come to us at major events in their lives and count on us to deliver what they need, so our teams make a big impact on local communities.
The role of Ceremonies Registrar is to represent the County Council as the front line of East Sussex Registration at marriage and civil partnership ceremonies and citizenship ceremonies with competence and professionalism. The postholder must be resilient, self-motivated, highly organised and demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence and accuracy. They must also present as smartly dressed, appropriate for attendance at a legal ceremony. The postholder must have good weekend availability and some weekday availability.
As a Ceremonies Registrar, you will:
- Register and conduct marriages and civil partnerships in accordance with marriage and civil partnership law
- Be an important part of customers’ special days, ensuring ceremonies are delivered with professionalism and care
- Travel across East Sussex, working from register offices and a range of approved venues
- Have the opportunity to assist with and conduct citizenship ceremonies
What Makes This Role Special
- Every ceremony is different – from intimate ceremonies to large celebrations
- You’ll meet a wide range of people and contribute to memorable life events
- You’ll work across beautiful locations throughout the county
- You’ll be part of a supportive and dedicated team
- The role brings a flexible working pattern.
What We’re Looking For
- No previous experience in registration is required – full training will be provided
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- A professional, calm and organised approach
- A commitment to delivering excellent customer service
- Resilient and self-motivated
- Highly organised and demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence and accuracy
- Able to use technology on various formats
- Present as smartly dressed, appropriate for attendance at a legal ceremony
- Able to fulfil the travelling needs of the role
- Availability to work weekends, mainly Saturdays (commitment of 3 a month during the months of June, July, August, and September) and some weekdays
To apply for this role, please click the apply now button to upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. When writing your supporting statement explain how you meet the following criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests:
- ICT skills, including ability to accurately input and check computer data
- Ability to manage own time effectively, organise own workload to meet deadlines, and deal with conflicting demands
- Able to use own initiative to solve problems, improve processes and welcome change
- Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- Ability to work in a team
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions
- Able to fulfil the travelling needs of the role
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI. Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information. Interviews will take place in person at Hastings Register Office or Crowborough Register Office. Interviews will be taking place on Monday 15 June 2026 at Hastings Register Office, Tuesday, 16 June at Crowborough Register Office, Wednesday, 17 June at Crowborough Register Office and Thursday, 18 June 2026 at Hastings Register Office. Candidates will be asked to complete an accuracy test and public speaking test at interview. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Being a Ceremonies Registrar is a privileged opportunity to be a part of a couple’s wedding or civil partnership or an individual’s citizenship ceremony. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Philippa Windsor, Ceremonies Team Leader at philippa.windsor@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.
Ceremonies Registrars in Hastings employer: East Sussex County Council
As a Ceremonies Registrar with East Sussex County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a vital role in some of the most significant moments in people's lives. Our supportive work culture prioritises excellent customer service and offers flexible working patterns across beautiful locations in East Sussex. With comprehensive training provided and opportunities for personal growth, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also fosters a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ceremonies Registrars in Hastings
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Ceremonies Registrar responsibilities and think about how your skills match up. This will help you shine during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills! Since you'll be conducting ceremonies, being comfortable speaking in front of people is key. Try rehearsing with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! As a Ceremonies Registrar, you'll need to present yourself smartly. Choose an outfit that reflects professionalism and makes you feel confident when you walk into that interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and ready to make a difference in people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Ceremonies Registrars in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the specific criteria mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your work or life experiences that showcase your skills and passion for customer service.
Show Off Your Interpersonal Skills:As a Ceremonies Registrar, you'll be working with people during significant moments in their lives. So, don’t forget to emphasise your strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in your application. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to connect with others.
Be Organised and Professional:Since this role requires a high level of organisation and professionalism, make sure your CV and supporting statement are well-structured and free of errors. Present yourself smartly in any communications, as first impressions matter!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Ceremonies Registrar. Familiarise yourself with the laws surrounding marriages and civil partnerships, as well as the importance of customer service in this role. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role is all about connecting with people during significant life events, be prepared to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to handle various situations.
✨Dress to Impress
As a Ceremonies Registrar, you'll need to present yourself smartly for legal ceremonies. Choose an outfit that reflects professionalism and appropriateness for the occasion. This not only shows respect for the role but also helps create a positive first impression during your interview.
✨Prepare for Practical Tests
During the interview, you'll face an accuracy test and a public speaking test. Practice these skills beforehand! For the accuracy test, work on attention to detail by reviewing data entry tasks. For public speaking, rehearse a short speech or presentation to build your confidence and ensure you can communicate clearly under pressure.
