How long do I have to give notice of marriage?

Short answer

You must give notice at least 28 full days before your ceremony in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and at least 29 days in Scotland. In England and Wales, you give notice at your local register office, usually where you have lived for the last 7 days.

In England and Wales, both partners must give notice in person at their local register office, usually where they have lived for at least the last 7 days. You need to do this at least 28 full days before the ceremony. If either of you is subject to immigration control, the notice period can be longer. Your notice is valid for 12 months, so your wedding must take place within that time.

In Scotland, each partner submits a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place, at least 29 days before the wedding. Registrars usually advise giving 10 to 12 weeks to be safe. In Northern Ireland, you give notice to the registrar in the district where the wedding will happen, at least 28 days before.

For Church of England or Church in Wales weddings, you usually need banns read or a licence instead of giving notice at a register office. For other religious or civil ceremonies, the rules can vary, so check with your register office or place of worship. The rules can change, so always confirm current requirements on GOV.UK or with your local registrar.