Mistake in wedding certificate - What can I do?
Dear Resdient Reverend,
During our wedding service - when we were going over to sign the register - my vicar asked me 'what's the name of your Dad?' indicating towards my step-dad (who was walking over with us). I told him my step-dad's details (assuming that's what he wanted as my step dad was a witness at our wedding) but said 'he's my step-dad'. I then proceeded to try and tell him the details of the other witness. I was (and am) completely devastated when I saw that our wedding certificate bears my step-dad's name as my 'father'.
I've told my vicar that there is a mistake, and he says there are only two options: leaving it as it is or putting a small asterix next to my step-father's name, and writing in the margin 'for 'name of step-father' read 'name of father'. Is that really all that can be done?
I just feel the wedding certificate is now completely worthless and can't bear to look at it. It's also brought back many of the feelings of loss and grief for my father. My memories of the wedding are also spoilt by this unhappy event.
If it really is the case that we can't get a new wedding certificate, are there any more extreme alternatives, such as getting the marriage dissolved and remarrying?
Very grateful for any advice
Sara
Comments
Hi Sara
I've just noticed your question still outstanding in my inbox. I answered this question weeks ago so I have no idea why it didn't register on the site. Sometimes I hit 'Preview Comment' and then forget to hit the 'Post Comment' button - so humble apologies that it appears as if I didn't respond to your question.
Interestingly the law has just changed in the last week or so. At one time a stepfather could only be on the certificate if he had adopted the child, but now his name can appear on the certificate with (stepfather) after it - as long as he has actually married your mother. I hope this helps you. That means that the entry on the certificate will in no way take anything away from your own dad's memory.
Anulling the marriage is not an option - I'm sure that was an emotional response and hope that you are now feeling different. This is unfortunate but it is simply an administrative error. We are not supposed to fill in the certificates until the service begins, but that puts a lot of stress on the Vicar to try and fill in while everyone is waiting and watching. It is just too easy to make a mistake.
I'm so sorry that you were so upset by this and hope this explanation helps.
kindest regards
Jan