Giving Notice of Marriage in the UK – A Friendly Guide for Registry Office Weddings

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life — the dress, the flowers, the cake tasting… It’s a lot of fun! But before you can officially say “I do,” there’s a little legal step that every couple needs to complete: giving notice of marriage.

If you’re planning a registry office wedding, this step is essential. It might sound a bit formal, but it’s really just about making sure everything is legally in place so your special day can go ahead without a hitch. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes paperwork that lets you get on with the fun stuff, knowing you’re all set.

Giving notice is straightforward. You and your partner will meet with your local registrar to confirm personal details, show a few documents, and declare your chosen wedding venue. Once that’s done, your details are displayed publicly for 28 days (or up to 70 days if you’re subject to immigration checks) — and then, you’re ready to go!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect, what documents you’ll need, and a few tips to make the whole process as smooth as possible.

Giving Notice of Marriage in the UK – What Couples Need to Know

If you’re in the exciting stage of planning your wedding, especially if you’re choosing a registry office ceremony, there’s one key step you can’t skip: giving notice of marriage. It might not sound as fun as dress shopping or cake tasting, but it’s an important legal part of making your marriage official. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes paperwork that makes the celebration possible.

So, what actually happens when you “give notice”?

At your appointment with the registrar, you and your partner will each provide some essential details — things like your full name, age, occupation, nationality, and address. You’ll also confirm your chosen wedding venue (for registry office weddings, this will be your ceremony location). If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to bring documents such as a Decree Absolute or a death certificate. Proof of identity (like a passport) and proof of address (such as a utility bill or council tax letter) are also required.

What Happens After the Appointment

Once you’ve given notice, your details are displayed at the register office for 28 days (or up to 70 days if you’re subject to immigration checks). This is just a legal safeguard, and after this period, you’ll receive the authorisation you need to go ahead with your ceremony.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Appointment

• Bring everything on the checklist

• Double-check names, dates, and addresses

• Know your venue and ceremony date

• Contact the registrar in advance if foreign documents are involved.

A few quick things to remember:

• Both partners must attend in person (or separately if you live in different districts).

• The statutory fee is £42 per person (£57 if referred to the Home Office). Note price at time of writing.

• If you change your wedding venue after giving notice, you’ll need to give notice again.

While the process might feel a little formal, it’s really just a way to make sure everything is legally sound so you can enjoy your wedding day stress-free.

If you’re planning your registry office wedding in North Yorkshire, I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for the practical side of things. Here's a helpful guide from RegistryOffice.uk