Notice of marriage in the UK
When to give notice, where to go and what it costs, for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
To marry legally in the UK you have to give notice first. The rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the right one for where your ceremony is.
England and Wales
| When | No later than 29 days before the wedding, and up to 12 months before. |
|---|---|
| Where | In person, at your local register office, with an appointment. You both need to have lived in England or Wales for at least 7 days before. |
| Fee | £42 each, or £57 each if either of you is subject to immigration control. |
| Valid for | 12 months. |
Scotland
Each of you completes a marriage notice form (M10) and sends it to the registrar for the district where you will marry. Notice goes in within the three months before the wedding and no later than 29 days before; registrars recommend about ten to twelve weeks.
Northern Ireland
The minimum is 28 days before the wedding. The registrar advises around eight weeks, or ten if either of you has been married or in a civil partnership before.
Sources
- GOV.UK: marriages and civil partnerships
- Lambeth Council: give notice of marriage (fees and residence)
- mygov.scot: getting married and City of Edinburgh Council: M10 notice guidance
- nidirect: how and when to give notice for marriage
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