Civil Marriage Ceremonies

Once you have found a venue that suits your needs you should contact the Superintendent Registrar of the registration district that it is in.  You will need to show them evidence of your name; age (the minimum legal age for getting married in England and Wales is 16 years of age but written consent may be required for anyone under 18 years); nationality (ideally passport); address; evidence of the ending of any previous marriage or civil partnership.

You both have to go to your local registry office to give notice of your intention to marry. No one else can do this on your behalf. If you plan to marry in a different area, you should also contact the register office for the district in which the marriage is due to take place.

Once your notice of marriage is given it will be displayed on the registry office notice board for a period of fifteen clear days. This notice is valid for 12 months.

A notice of marriage is a legal document required by the Marriage Act 1949 Required information includes name and surname; age; address; occupation; nationality; intended marriage venue

You have to pay to give notice in advance of a ceremony either at a register office, approved premises or in a religious building other than in a Church. Fees for the registry office ceremony varies depending on the day and room chosen. The cost for attendance by the superintendent registrar and registrar to attend other venues is set by the local authority in question.

A further charge is likely to be made by the owners of the building for the use of the premises. You pay for the marriage certificate.

You can not incorporate any religious content into a civil marriage ceremony. You may be able to arrange to have non-religious music and/or readings, and for the wedding to be videoed. Ask your venue wedding organiser for more details. On your wedding day you will need to bring with you at least two other people who are prepared to witness the marriage and sign the marriage register