Giving notice to marry or form a civil partnership

Residency status before giving notice

You both need to have lived in the area in which you wish to give notice for at least 7 full days before giving notice. This applies to everyone, including those travelling from overseas, for a marriage or civil partnership in England and Wales. 

Please note: If you are residing in a hotel within the borough of Hillingdon, please check the hotel is willing to confirm your residency with a letter before you book into the hotel.

Exceptions (providing neither party is subject to immigration control)

  • If one party to the marriage is a resident in Scotland, they may give their notice in Scotland. The other person needs to be a resident in England or Wales.
  • Officers, seamen or marines on one of her Majesty's ships at sea can give notice to the captain or another officer commanding the ship. The other party must be a resident of England or Wales.