When planning a wedding it is important to factor in giving notice of your marriage to your local registry office, stating your intention to either marry or enter into a civil partnership.
This is a legal requirement in which both parties confirm their identity and that they are free to get married, meaning that you are old enough to marry, that you are legally divorced or widowed, that you and your partner are not related, or that you have the right visas to tie the knot if you are from outside the UK.
What Happens At The Notice of Marriage Appointment?
Initially the couple will go into a private room with a registrar who will ask you details about your wedding such as the location and date. You’ll need to have the address of the venue ready to give to them.
After this they’ll request that one of you stays in the room while the other leaves so that they can ask you questions such as:
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Any legal impediments to your marriage
- The parent or guardian names you intend to have on the marriage certificate (if any)
- Additional questions about your partner
They’ll then invite your partner into the room and ask you to leave so they can undertake the same questions. At the end you’ll both be asked to declare that the information is correct. The whole process will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour if you are attending together.
What Happens When You Give Notice Of Marriage?
Notice of your marriage is displayed publicly at the register office for 28 days so that any objections can be raised, which is highly unlikely. The reason for this is to make sure that the marriage isn’t bigamous or illegal.
Time Constraints & Cost
Giving notice of marriage must occur at least 29 days before your ceremony date.
You should also be aware that you must hold your ceremony within 12 months of giving notice as the documents cease to be valid after a year.
In England and Wales, it’s also a legal requirement to have lived within your registration district for at least seven days before giving notice. Don’t worry if you both live in different districts and/or are marrying in a different district, you just need to give notice at the registry office local to where you have lived for at least the past week.
Currently the statutory fee for giving notice is £42 per person (or £57 if either of you are subject to immigration control). This can be paid on the day or in advance.
Documents
To give notice of marriage both you and your partner will need to produce certain documents at the appointment confirming your identity and your ability to wed.
You will need to provide original, hard copies of the documents below as photocopies, screenshots or phone versions are not permitted
- Proof of your name, date of birth and nationality: a valid passport, travel documents or European ID card. You can also bring your birth certificate alongside photo ID, such as a driving licence.
- Proof of home address: bank statement (no older than one month), utility bill (no older than three months), council tax (the most recent bill, no older than one year)
- Previous marriage documents (if applicable): final divorce documents and translation (if not in English) or death certificate and translation (if not in English)
- Change of name documents: e.g. deed poll, if applicable
- Full name and address of the venue where the legal marriage will be taking place and the registration district it falls under. Taking your booking form can be helpful.
Once you’ve given your notice of marriage and there are no objections you’ll be free to commence with the ceremony and begin your wonderful new life with your partner.
With a civil celebrant a notice of marriage isn’t a concern. You only require it for the legal part of your marriage and not for the ceremony, which can take place anywhere even at an unlicensed wedding venue such as private gardens, restaurants and even farmland for those that want a real rural wedding.
