What to expect at giving notice of marriage?

You and your partner will attend a private appointment at the register office where you have lived for at least the last seven days. The registrar will check your documents, ask you questions about your names, ages, addresses and marital status, and confirm that you are free to marry. You will each be interviewed separately, and the registrar will record your details on a legal notice.

After the appointment, your notice is displayed publicly at the register office for 28 full days before your wedding. This is a legal requirement and allows anyone to raise an objection if they believe the marriage should not go ahead. You do not need to attend the register office again during this period.

If you are marrying in a Church of England or Church in Wales ceremony, banns are usually read instead of giving notice at a register office. For all other legal ceremonies in England and Wales, giving notice is required. The appointment is straightforward, but you should arrive with the correct documents and allow time for travel and parking.