The legal steps for getting married in England and Wales, in order. Notice goes to your local register office, and the rules differ for religious, civil and approved-venue weddings.
General guidance, not legal advice. These steps cover England and Wales — Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules. Confirm specifics, fees and timings with your local register office or on GOV.UK.
About 6 months before the wedding
This decides your paperwork. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings are arranged through your vicar (banns or a licence). Other religious venues need an authorised person present. A civil ceremony takes place at a register office or an approved venue. A humanist or celebrant-led ceremony isn't legally binding in England and Wales on its own, so couples usually add a short legal ceremony at a register office.
Marriage rules on GOV.UKAbout 5 months before the wedding
For a civil ceremony, book the registrar through your local register office — popular dates and approved venues fill up months ahead. For a church wedding, speak to the vicar about banns or a licence and any marriage preparation they ask for.
About 13 weeks before the wedding
You'll each need proof of identity (such as a passport) and proof of where you live. If either of you was previously married or in a civil partnership, bring the decree absolute, final order or a death certificate. Requirements can differ by register office, so check theirs.
About 4 weeks before the wedding
Each of you must give notice in person at the register office for the area where you live, at least 28 clear days before the wedding and no more than 12 months before. Some circumstances can extend the waiting period, and appointments can book out, so we recommend giving notice 2–3 months ahead rather than at the minimum.
About 4 weeks before the wedding
A fee is paid per person when you give notice, and there are separate charges for the ceremony itself and for certificates. Check current fees with your register office or on GOV.UK.
About 4 weeks before the wedding
Make sure a registrar or other authorised person will be present — a celebrant on their own can't legally marry you in England and Wales. Confirm the date, time and venue are on your notice.
Within about 14 days after the wedding
Your marriage is registered after the ceremony. Order certified copies from the register office or the General Register Office — you'll need them to change your name, update passports and bank accounts, or for visas and insurance.
In England and Wales a humanist or celebrant-led ceremony isn't legally binding on its own — you'd also need a short legal ceremony at a register office. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.