You can apply by post or in person to our office in Pontefract Town Hall for events which occurred in the Pontefract Registration District or to our Wakefield Office at 71 Northgate for events in the Wakefield Registration District.

If you are able to pay by debit or credit card you can apply for a certificate by telephoning or emailing the appropriate register office:-

• Pontefract - 01977 722670
  pontefractregistrars@wakefield.gov.uk
• Wakefield - 01924 302185
  wakefieldregistrars@wakefield.gov.uk

Please provide us with the name of the person whose certificate you require, (both names for a marriage certificate), the date of the event, the place, and for birth certificates the parents' names and mother's maiden name

At both Register Offices we hold the registers of all births, deaths and marriages occurring within the Pontefract and Wakefield districts dating back to 1837. Baptisms, burials and marriages prior to this date were usually recorded by the church where they took place and are often held in the custody of local archives.

By law, we are only able to release details from the register in the form of a copy certificate produced at the statutory fee. When you apply you will need to provide us with sufficient information in order for us to find a historical record. As a guide please provide us with the name of the person whose certificate you require, (both names for a marriage certificate), the date of the event, the place, and for birth certificates the parents' names and mother's maiden name.

There is more about Tracing your family tree on this website