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Ceremony, legal and venues · Legal requirements

Can you give notice of marriage separately or do you have to go together?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12

Short answer

In England and Wales, you must both give notice in person, but you can attend separate appointments at the same register office. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the rules can vary, so check with the registrar. You cannot give notice by post or online.

The law requires each partner to appear in person to give notice. In England and Wales, you do not have to attend together. You can book two separate appointments, one for each of you, at the same register office. This is helpful if your work schedules clash. However, both of you must visit the same office if you live in the same district. If you live in different districts, each of you gives notice at your own local office. In Scotland, each partner submits a marriage notice, and the registrar may want to see you both, but check locally. In Northern Ireland, notice is given to the registrar in the wedding district, and you may need to attend together. The key point is that giving notice is a personal, in-person step. You cannot do it online or by post. You will also need to bring your documents, such as passports or birth certificates. If you are unsure, call the register office and ask exactly how they handle separate appointments. Rules can change, so always confirm with the registrar or GOV.UK.

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