Spoiler alert: Love may be spontaneous, but marriage in the UK? Not so much.
If you’re here, you’re probably planning something beautifully chaotic—a wedding. Maybe you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in a flower-drenched garden, a candle-lit chapel, or an old English manor that whispers history. And while choosing the cake flavor is arguably the toughest decision, figuring out how to legally register your marriage in the UK can be just as daunting.
Good news: I’ve got you covered—from marriage notice to your very first legally wedded kiss. Let’s make sense of the red tape (and have a little fun along the way).
📝 First Things First: Who Can Get Married in the UK?
If you’re:
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Over 18 (or 16+ with parental consent in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland),
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Not already married or in a civil partnership,
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Not closely related (thanks, UK law),
then ding ding!—you’re good to go.
And yes, same-sex marriage is legal and fully supported in most of the UK.
📍 Step 1: Give Notice (This Isn’t Just a Heads-Up)
In the UK, getting married legally starts with a formal process called “giving notice of marriage.”
It sounds sweet and simple. It’s not. But you can handle it.
Here’s how it works:
💡 Use this link to find your local register office
Once you give notice, your names go up on a notice board for 28 days (yes, really), just in case someone has a reason to object like in the old movies.
Pro Tip for Foreign Nationals:
If one of you is from outside the UK, the Home Office might extend the notice period to 70 days. It’s not personal—just policy.
💌 Step 2: Wait… and Plan Your Pinterest Boards
Yep, after giving notice, there’s a waiting period. Use it wisely.
You can:
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Finalize your wedding outfit
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Pick your celebrant
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Panic about the guest list
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Order too many candles on Etsy
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Or just relax—because love doesn’t rush
💒 Step 3: Choose Where and How You Want to Marry
The UK lets you get married in a few different ways:
1. Register Office Wedding
Simple. Legal. No fuss. Many register offices are charming as heck—like Chelsea Old Town Hall, with its famous marble staircase (aka, Instagram gold).
2. Approved Venue
Want a castle? A vineyard? An old library with candlelight and echoey halls? If it’s licensed, it’s legal. Try Kew Gardens or The Asylum Chapel for all the heart-eyed vibes.
3. Religious Ceremonies
If you’re getting married in a Church of England parish, you might not need to give notice through the register office. For other religions, you’ll still go through the notice process and must ensure the venue is legally registered for marriages.
💡 Not all gorgeous venues are licensed for legal ceremonies. In that case, do the legal bit earlier at a register office, and then go all-out creative with your symbolic ceremony later.
✍️ Step 4: The Legal Bit (aka, The Moment It’s Actually Official)
To legally marry, you need:
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Two witnesses (they don’t have to be your besties, but why not?)
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A licensed officiant
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To say the legal vows (yes, even if you’re doing a quirky themed wedding in full pirate gear)
After the ceremony, you’ll sign the marriage schedule or register, and voilà—you’re married!
Your marriage certificate costs £11 per copy and can be ordered immediately or later.
💰 What Does It Cost to Register a Marriage in the UK?
| Item |
Cost |
| Giving notice |
£35–£47 per person |
| Civil ceremony at register office |
from £46 |
| Marriage certificate |
£11 each |
| Marriage Visitor Visa (if applicable) |
£115 |
🌍 Can Foreign Nationals Get Married in the UK?
Yes! But there’s a specific process.
If you’re not a UK citizen and not planning to stay after the wedding, you’ll likely need a Marriage Visitor Visa.
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Apply up to 3 months in advance
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Cost: £115
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Allows you to stay for up to 6 months
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You can’t work or live permanently with this visa
More info: Marriage Visitor Visa
Bonus Tip: You don’t need to be a UK resident to marry here—you just need to be physically present long enough to give notice and attend your ceremony.
🧳 Dreaming of a Destination Wedding in the UK?
You’ve got options, babe.
Picture this:
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A castle elopement in the Scottish Highlands
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A windswept ceremony on Cornwall’s cliffs
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A luxurious vow exchange in a London townhouse
Some stunning venues to explore:
Or maybe you’re still torn between the Lake District and Tuscany? I don’t blame you. Check out my favorite wedding locations across Italy, France, Greece, and beyond.
✅ Quick-Glance UK Marriage Checklist
✔ Both partners over 18 (or have parental consent)
✔ Not already married
✔ Give notice at local register office
✔ Bring required documents
✔ Wait 28–70 days
✔ Choose ceremony location
✔ Have 2 witnesses and say legal vows
✔ Sign the marriage schedule
✔ Order marriage certificate
✔ Celebrate! (and book your photographer 😉)
❤️ From the Lens of Experience…
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to witness the joy, the nerves, the unexpected rain showers, and the unforgettable kisses of countless couples saying “I do” in the UK.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement under the rain-soaked skies of Edinburgh, a boho ceremony in Brighton, or a multicultural fusion wedding in London, I’d love to help tell your story with authenticity and emotion.
📸 Let’s Make Magic Together
If you’re looking for timeless, joy-filled, artful photography to match the depth of your love—let’s connect.
✨ Explore real love stories on my blog: yourhappymoments.net/blog
💼 Peek at my photography packages (UK & destination): yourhappymoments.net/investment
💌 Ready to chat? Tell me your story: yourhappymoments.net/contact
Whether you’re planning from across the world or just across town—let’s make your happy moments unforgettable.
