Epsom library opening to register births and deaths
Surrey’s Registration & Nationality Service has been undergoing changes over the past year with the aim of providing an improved experience for residents at important life moments. Dated and non-energy efficient buildings have undergone a makeover, and the council is increasing the number of locations where people can register births and deaths, all to make the service more accessible, modern and fit for the future.
Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities, said:
“We are committed to ensuring that our Registration Services are accessible, sustainable, and reflective of the needs of our communities.
“The improvements at Rylston in Weybridge and the expansion of services into our modern Library Hubs demonstrate our ambition to deliver high-quality, convenient services for residents across Surrey.
“These changes are part of our wider vision to modernise council services and create ceremony venues that are fit for purpose and truly special. We want every couple, every family, and every individual marking a significant life event to feel that they are in a space that reflects the importance of the moment.
“Whether it’s welcoming a new life, registering the death of a loved one, or celebrating a union in marriage or civil partnership, our venues are designed to provide a warm, friendly, and memorable setting for these cherished occasions.”
Rylston, Weybridge reopens
Refurbishment works are now complete at Rylston Register Office. These were undertaken to preserve its future as a premium ceremonies venue in Weybridge. The whole building has benefitted from new carbon-efficient heating systems and windows and newly decorated ceremony rooms, ensuring it is a sustainable ceremonies venue for the county in the long term.
The redecoration works complement the historic building’s elegant style, enabling couples to exchange their vows in a classic and beautiful space.
More locations to register births and deaths
Epsom Library Hub and the new flagship Library Hub at Staines-upon-Thames now offer additional locations in Surrey to register births and deaths. Both library hubs have undergone major refurbishment offering multi-functional spaces in the heart of communities. Registrations are now part of that, helping to bring together complementary services all under one roof.
By October 2026, it is expected that Guildford Library will also be offering a registrations service for births and deaths, making sure residents can access key services in places and locations that are convenient to them.
Ceremonies in Guildford
To provide better value and more efficient services for residents, the council is moving towards the use of modern, efficient, multi-purpose buildings that allow multiple services to operate from a single location.
Guildford Register Office, also known as Artington House, does not meet the criteria to support this approach. It is a building which is not carbon efficient and where the ongoing costs of maintenance and necessary upgrades have significantly increased.
Following careful consideration, the decision has been made to vacate and sell Artington House. Bookings for ceremonies at this location will continue to be taken up until 31 October 2026. It is expected there will be alternative local provision in place for the registration of births and deaths at Guildford Library from October 2026. Customers will still be able to book appointments online as usual.
Surrey is home to over 100 licensed ceremony venues across the county where couples can marry or form a civil partnership. This includes two council register offices in Weybridge and Leatherhead, each offering a range of different ceremony options. Other council venues are also being considered for ceremony use to increase the offer available for residents.
Further information
Frequently Asked Questions about the closure of Artington House can be found here: Guildford Register Office as a ceremony venue – Surrey County Council
A full list of registration services can be found here: Birth, death and ceremonies – Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council
Image: Epsom Library
