7.—(1) After the registrar receives a marriage notice from both of the parties to an intended marriage, he shall complete a marriage schedule in the prescribed form if he is satisfied that there is no legal impediment to the marriage or the Registrar General has directed him under Article 6(5) to proceed under this Article.
(2) In the case of a religious marriage, the marriage schedule completed in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be issued by the registrar—
(a)at his office;
(b)during such period as may be prescribed; and
(c)to one or both of the parties to the intended marriage.
(3) Subject to paragraphs (4) to [F1(7)] , a religious marriage may be solemnised only on the date, by the officiant and at the place specified in the marriage schedule.
(4) Paragraph (3) shall not impose any obligation on an officiant to solemnise a marriage.
(5) In prescribed circumstances a religious marriage may be solemnised by an officiant other than the officiant specified in the marriage schedule.
(6) Regulations may make provision for any case in which for any reason a marriage cannot be solemnised in accordance with the marriage schedule.
[F2(7) Paragraph (3), and regulations under paragraph (5) or (6), have effect subject to Article 15(3) to (5).]
F1Word in art. 7(3) substituted (1.9.2020) by The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/742), regs. 1(2), 9(3)(a)
F2Art. 7(7) inserted (1.9.2020) by The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/742), regs. 1(2), 9(3)(b)