jo January 8, 2025
jo
As a wedding planner at One Curious Dream, one of the questions I’m most often asked by my couples is: what are the legal requirements to get married in the UK? While the process is straightforward, there are some important steps to follow to make sure your marriage is legally recognised. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know – from giving notice to preparing your documents and visas.
First things first, let’s look at who can marry here in the UK. You must:
Be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18 in England and Wales).
Be single, divorced, or widowed.
Not be closely related to your partner.
Have the correct documents or visa if you’re not a UK citizen.
Every couple needs to give notice of marriage at their local register office. This is essentially a formal declaration of your intention to marry.
Here’s what you need to know:
Notice must be given at least 29 days before your wedding.
Notices are displayed publicly at the register office.
If one of you isn’t a UK citizen, the notice period can be extended to 70 days while checks are carried out.
My advice: Both of you will need to give notice in person, so don’t leave this until the last minute.
When you give notice, you’ll need to bring along some key documents:
A valid passport or national identity card
Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, bank statement)
Proof of marital status (decree absolute if divorced, death certificate if widowed)
Visa or immigration documents if one of you isn’t a UK citizen
Without these, your notice can’t be accepted, so double-check before your appointment.
If either you or your partner aren’t UK citizens, you might need a visa. The most common options are:
Marriage Visitor Visa – ideal if you’re coming to the UK just to marry and won’t be living here permanently.
Fiancé(e) Visa – if you plan to marry here and then settle in the UK.
Spouse Visa – if you’re already married abroad and plan to live here together.
For my American couples: A Marriage Visitor Visa is usually the right choice unless you’re moving to the UK permanently.
The UK offers a huge variety of licensed places to tie the knot, including:
Register offices
Approved venues such as barns, stately homes, or hotels
Religious buildings including churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues
Outdoor licensed spaces
No matter where you choose, a registrar or authorised person must conduct the ceremony.
You’ll also need to decide whether you want a civil or religious ceremony.
– Conducted by a registrar – Held in a register office or licensed venue – No religious content
– Led by a minister or religious leader – Usually take place in a registered religious building – May still require some civil paperwork depending on your faith
Same-sex couples have the same legal rights to marry in the UK as opposite-sex couples, and both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can also choose a civil partnership instead if they prefer.
While weddings can be expensive, the legal part is fairly budget-friendly. On average:
Giving notice: £35–£50 per person
Register office ceremony: from £50 to £750 depending on the day and room
Registrar attending a venue: £500–£800 depending on location
To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s a quick checklist:
Give notice at the correct register office.
Bring all required documents.
Make sure your venue is licensed.
Have a registrar or minister conduct the ceremony.
Register your marriage and collect your certificate.
I know it can feel daunting to navigate the legal requirements, but once you’ve given notice and sorted your paperwork, the rest is fairly simple. By preparing in advance, you’ll avoid any last-minute hiccups and be free to focus on the fun side of planning.
If you’d like some extra support, I’d love to help. As an award-winning UK wedding planner, I can guide you through the process and ensure your wedding runs seamlessly – both legally and logistically.
Get in touch to arrange a complimentary discovery call. You can also reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
In the meantime, why not keep up with all things behind the scenes at One Curious Dream on Instagram, where you’ll find lots of wedding inspiration and ideas?