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". Do this at your local register office. Do it 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 ↗. This extends the wait to 70 days. So give notice early.
At a glance
- Cost:
- £46.50 per person (£63 if referred to the Home Office)
- Total time:
- 30-minute appointment; notice valid 12 months
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
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. You must do this before giving notice. You each give notice at your own local register office. These can be different offices if you live in different districts.
Click to mark as done
- Go 30 min
Book and attend the notice appointment
Book at your register office. Both partners must attend together in most districts. Bring passports and proof of address. Bring any divorce or death paperwork. The registrar records your details. They display a public notice for 28 days.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay
Pay the fee
The fee is £46.50 per person (from 6 April 2026). If either partner is a non-EEA national without settled status or another immigration reference, the case is referred to the Home Office for investigation. The fee is then £63 per person. This is £46.50 + £16.50 referral fee. The referral itself is routine. It is not an accusation.
Click to mark as done
- Wait
Wait out the notice period
The standard wait is 28 clear days. After that, the marriage can proceed any time in the next 12 months. For Home Office referrals, the wait is up to 70 days. This is while the marriage is checked for genuineness. Plan your wedding date with this buffer in mind.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up
Choose your ceremony type
You can marry in a register office. You can also marry in an approved venue. Or in a religious building registered for marriage. An authorised person must conduct the ceremony, or be present at it. You need two witnesses. Venue and certificate fees vary by council. They are typically £50–£120 plus certificates at £12.50 each.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Get the marriage certificate
After the ceremony you receive a marriage certificate. Buy extra copies on the day. This is cheaper than ordering them later. The certificate is your proof for visa applications. You also need it for name changes on passports and bank accounts. And for pension or inheritance matters.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Giving notice before 7 full days in the district. Both partners must have lived in a registration district in England or Wales for at least 7 full days before giving notice. The 7 full days of residence is a legal requirement. Registrars check it. If you move districts, the clock restarts.
Leaving only 28 days for a Home Office referral. The standard wait is 28 clear days. For Home Office referrals, the wait is up to 70 days, while the marriage is checked for genuineness. Foreign nationals on visas are often referred. Plan your wedding date with this buffer in mind.
Assuming marriage gives you a visa automatically. Marriage itself changes nothing about your immigration status. Your partner can sponsor you for a Spouse or Family visa, which has its own application and financial requirements. Never overstay. Do not assume marriage regularises your status.
Trying to give notice as a visitor. If you are in the UK as a visitor, you cannot give notice. You would need a Marriage Visitor visa. You do not need a specific marriage visa to marry if you are already in the UK on a visa of 6 or more months, but your case will be referred to the Home Office.
Not buying extra marriage certificates on the day. After the ceremony you receive a marriage certificate. Buy extra copies on the day. This is cheaper than ordering them later. The certificate is your proof for visa applications, for name changes on passports and bank accounts, and for pension or inheritance matters.
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 Office. This means a 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 your immigration status. Your partner can sponsor you for a Spouse or Family visa. This visa has financial requirements (£29,000 income from 2024 for most cases). It also has its own application. Never overstay. Do not assume 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. 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.
Keep Reading