What is the cheapest way to get married in the UK?

A register office ceremony is usually the most affordable route. You and your partner give notice in person at your local register office, where you have lived for at least the last seven days. The ceremony itself is short and legal, with two witnesses. You can then celebrate however you like, from a pub lunch to a picnic in the park.

If you want a religious ceremony, a Church of England or Church in Wales wedding usually needs banns read or a licence, and costs can vary. For other faiths, check with your place of worship about fees and whether the building is registered for marriages. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere agreed with the registrar or celebrant, which can be very low cost. In Northern Ireland, notice is given to the registrar in the district where the wedding takes place.

Remember, the legal minimum is notice, the ceremony, and two witnesses. Everything else is optional. You can wear something you already own, ask a friend to take photos, and have cake at home. The register office will confirm the exact fee and process, and rules can change, so check with them directly.