Speak to your celebrant early about acceptable alternatives and start any replacement requests promptly. Losing a birth certificate does not necessarily stop you marrying: a suitable passport showing your date and place of birth may provide the evidence needed.

Your celebrant must also be satisfied about your identity. Tell them which documents you have, any name differences and how long replacements are likely to take.

The law provides a limited statutory-declaration option for birth details where its conditions are met; it is not a general substitute for missing ID. Let your celebrant assess the requirements before assuming either that the wedding must be cancelled or that a declaration will be enough.