Where is your notice of marriage displayed after you give it?

Once you and your partner have given notice at the register office, the registrar will display your notice publicly. In England and Wales, this is typically on a notice board inside the register office, where it stays for 28 full days. This period is called the waiting period, and it exists so that anyone with a legal reason to object to the marriage can come forward.

The notice includes your names, ages, and the venue where you plan to marry. It does not include your full address, but it does show the district where you live. The public display is a legal requirement, not a formality, so your details will be visible to anyone who visits the register office during that time.

In Scotland, the process is slightly different. You submit a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place, at least 29 days before. The registrar may also display notices, but the rules can vary by area. In Northern Ireland, notice is given to the registrar in the district where the wedding will take place, at least 28 days before.

If you have any concerns about privacy or the display, speak to your registrar. They can explain exactly how it works in your area and what you can expect.