Notice of marriage: the documents you need
What to bring to your notice appointment in England and Wales, and what counts as proof of address.
Giving notice is a short appointment, but it can't go ahead without the right paperwork, and the register office needs originals, not copies. Gather everything a week before and check it against this list.
For each of you
- A valid passport or UK birth certificate. If you bring a UK birth certificate and were born after 1 January 1983, you'll also need evidence of your parents' nationality, such as their birth certificates.
- Proof of your home address (see the list below).
- Proof of any change of name, for example a deed poll.
- Details of your ceremony venue.
If you've been married or in a civil partnership before
Bring the decree absolute or final order, or your former partner's death certificate. If the divorce, annulment or dissolution was granted outside the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, the register office has to check it: £55 if they check it locally, or £83 if the General Register Office does.
What counts as proof of address
| Document | How recent |
|---|---|
| Valid UK or Irish driving licence | Current |
| Gas, water or electricity bill | From the last 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement | From the last month |
| Council Tax bill | From the last 12 months |
| Mortgage statement | From the last 12 months |
| Current tenancy agreement | Current |
| Letter from your landlord, with their name, address and signature | Dated within the last 7 days |
If your normal address is outside the UK, you'll need a UK contact address, such as a partner's, a friend's or a family member's.
If you or your partner are from outside the UK
Bring a passport-sized photo of each of you, proof of your current immigration status (for example a share code, or the visa in your passport), and a translation of any document that isn't in English. Ask the register office when you book whether anything else applies to you.
Before the appointment
- Check the names on every document match, or bring the paperwork that explains why they don't.
- Make sure the address on your proof of address is the one in the district where you're giving notice; you must have lived there for the past 7 days.
- Know your venue's exact name and address.
- Have the fee ready: £46.50 each from 1 April 2026 (£63 if either of you is subject to immigration control).
Sources
- GOV.UK: documents you'll need to give notice
- GOV.UK: give notice
- Cornwall Council: registration fees from 1 April 2026
Questions
Can I bring photocopies?
No. GOV.UK says to bring originals of the documents to your appointment.
Is a bank statement on my phone enough?
GOV.UK lists a bank or building society statement from the last month; check with your register office whether they accept a printed online statement.
What if my documents are in another language?
Bring a translation of any document that isn't in English.
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