Giving notice to marry or form a civil partnership

About giving notice

If you are having a ceremony in England or Wales, a notice of marriage or civil partnership must be given at least 28 days before the marriage/civil partnership is due to take place.

If you are a UK passport holder or EEA national with settled status and you intend to marry in a Church of England or Church of Wales, there is no need to involve our register office - speak directly with the vicar of the church.

Important

  • Each notice for a marriage or a civil partnership held in the UK is valid for 1 year. 
  • If you decide to change venue, new notices must be given. 
  • You both must give notice in person - no one else can give notice on your behalf.
  • If one or both of you are subject to immigration control, you will need to attend (together) your local register office, where one or both parties reside. 
  • We can only take notice for a marriage or civil partnership abroad from British nationals. If you are a non-British national, you will need to contact your embassy for information.