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How to get married in England and Wales
Quick answer: You must be 18 or over, give notice at your local register office at least 29 days before, hold the ceremony within 12 months of notice at a registered or approved venue with at least two witnesses, and have a registrar or authorised person present.
This guide summarises the official GOV.UK guidance on marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales, as we read it in November 2026. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and for couples where one partner is from outside the UK or Ireland, so check GOV.UK for your situation.
Who can marry
You can get married if you are 18 or over, not already married or in a civil partnership, and not closely related.
1. Decide the venue first
You must decide where you will hold the ceremony before you give notice, and the notice must include the final venue.
2. Give notice
You sign a legal statement at your local register office saying you intend to marry. You must give notice at least 29 days before the ceremony and hold the ceremony within 12 months of giving notice. You usually need an appointment and must have lived in that registration district for the past 7 days. The process can differ for Anglican weddings, so check with the venue. See GOV.UK: give notice.
3. Choose the type of ceremony
- Civil ceremony at a register office or a venue approved by the local council. A registrar must carry out or be present. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content.
- Religious ceremony at a registered religious building, with an authorised person such as a minister, or a registrar if there is no authorised person.
4. Witnesses and cost
You need at least 2 witnesses. GOV.UK gives the registrar cost as £62 at a register office and £114.50 at a registered religious building (check the current figure, and costs at approved venues can differ).
5. After the ceremony
You and your partner, your witnesses and the registrar or authorised person sign the schedule, which is sent to the register office. You can then get your marriage certificate.
Your legal rights
Marriage gives you legal rights and responsibilities, such as tax benefits and rights to inherit. There is no such thing as a “common law marriage” in England and Wales. An existing will usually becomes invalid when you marry, so make a new one if you do not want that. See GOV.UK: legal rights.
For religious and cultural ceremonies, see religious and cultural weddings in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
How long before my wedding do I have to give notice?
At least 29 days before the ceremony, and the ceremony must be held within 12 months of giving notice.
How many witnesses do I need to get married in the UK?
At least two.
How much does a registrar cost?
GOV.UK gives £62 at a register office and £114.50 at a registered religious building. Check current costs, as they can differ at approved venues.
Does getting married cancel my will?
An existing will usually becomes invalid when you marry, so you will normally need to make a new one if you want to keep your wishes.
Keep reading
Information checked November 2026 against the sources linked above. Rules and prices change, so check GOV.UK and your suppliers before you commit.