Registering a Marriage
Legal Formalities
Unless you are marrying in the Church of England or Church in Wales by Banns or Common Law Licence, notice of marriage has to be given personally by you both to your local superintendent registrar(s).
Both of you must have lived in a registration district in England or Wales, for at least 7 days immediately before giving notice of marriage at the Register Office. If you both live in the same district, you should attend your local office together, if possible, to give your notices of marriage. If you live in different registration districts then each of you will need to give notice separately in your own area.
After giving notice of marriage you must wait a further 15 days before the marriage can take place, for example, if notices of marriage are given on 1st June the marriage may take place on or after 17th June. A notice of marriage is valid for twelve months from the date of giving notice. For further enquiries please contact your local Register Office.
