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Notice of marriage explained — what it is and why you need it

Notice of marriage (or notice of civil partnership) is the legal process required before a wedding or civil partnership can take place in England and Wales. Both parties must give notice in person at their local register office.

The process

Both parties must give notice — even if they live in different districts, each gives notice at their own local register office. You will need: ID (passport or birth certificate + proof of address), fee (around £35 per person), details of the venue (which must be a registered venue for the ceremony).

Timelines

You must give notice at least 28 days before the wedding (but ideally 3–6 months before to book the register office date). Notice is valid for 12 months. If you are a non-EEA national, different rules and longer notice periods may apply.

What happens to the notice

The notice is publicly displayed for 28 days. This is the period during which anyone who knows of a legal impediment to the marriage can object.