How to Give Notice of Marriage in the UK
Before you can marry or form a civil partnership in England and Wales, both partners must "give notice" at their local register office at least 28 days beforehand. Foreign nationals on visas are often referred to the Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗, extending the wait to 70 days — so give notice early.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Check the residency requirement
Both partners must have lived in a registration district in England or Wales for at least 7 full days before giving notice. You each give notice at your own local register office (which can be different offices if you live in different districts).
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- Go 30 min
Book and attend the notice appointment
Book at your register office; both partners must attend together in most districts. Bring passports, proof of address, and any divorce or death paperwork. The registrar records your details and displays a public notice for 28 days.
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- Submit & Pay
Pay the fee
£35 per person (2025 fee). If either partner is a non-EEA national without settled status or another immigration reference, the case is referred to the Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗ for investigation and the fee rises to £47 per person — the referral itself is routine, not an accusation.
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- Wait
Wait out the notice period
Standard: 28 clear days, after which the marriage can proceed any time in the next 12 months. Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗ referrals: up to 70 days while the marriage is checked for genuineness — plan wedding dates with this buffer in mind.
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- Follow Up
Choose your ceremony type
You can marry in a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriage. Ceremonies must be conducted by (or in the presence of) an authorised person, and you need two witnesses. Venue and certificate fees vary by council — typically £50–£120 plus certificates at £11.50 each.
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- Receive
Get the marriage certificate
After the ceremony you receive a marriage certificate — buy extra copies on the day (cheaper than later re-orders). The certificate is your proof for visa applications, name changes on passports and bank accounts, and pension or inheritance matters.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We are both on work visas. Can we marry in the UK?
Yes — you do not need a specific "marriage visa" to marry if you are already in the UK on a visa of 6+ months. You give notice like anyone else, but your case will be referred to the Home OfficeUK Home Office — The government department responsible for visas, immigration, and citizenship in the UK.Click for official info ↗ (70-day wait). If you are in the UK as a visitor, you cannot give notice — you would need a Marriage Visitor visa.
Does marrying a British citizen give me a visa automatically?
No. Marriage itself changes nothing about immigration status. Your partner can sponsor you for a Spouse or Family visa, which has financial requirements (£29,000 income from 2024 for most cases) and its own application. Never overstay assuming marriage regularises your status.
Can we give notice before the 7 days of living in the district?
No — the 7 full days of residence is a legal requirement, and registrars check it. If you move districts, the clock restarts. Give notice well before your wedding date; many venues require the certificate of approval before confirming bookings.
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