What are the legal requirements for a Church of England wedding?

Short answer

For a Church of England wedding, you usually need banns read on three Sundays before the ceremony, or a common licence. You must be 18 or over, give notice, and have two witnesses. The ceremony must take place in the church where banns are read.

A Church of England wedding follows specific legal steps. First, you need to meet the legal age of 18. Banns are the most common route: your names are read aloud in your parish church on three Sundays in the three months before the wedding. This gives anyone a chance to object. If you live in different parishes, banns are read in both. Alternatively, you can apply for a common licence, which is quicker but requires a reason, such as one partner living abroad. There is also an archbishop's licence for special circumstances.

You must also give notice of marriage, usually at your local register office, at least 28 days before the ceremony. The vicar will guide you through the process and confirm the legal requirements, as they can vary. On the day, you need two witnesses aged 16 or over to sign the marriage schedule or document. Since 2021, the marriage is recorded in a schedule signed on the day, not in a register book.

If you are not a regular churchgoer, speak to the vicar early. They may ask you to attend services or have a conversation about your intentions. The church building must be registered for marriages, which all Church of England churches are. If you are unsure about any detail, check with the vicar or look at GOV.UK for the current rules. The vicar will also help you plan the service, including hymns, prayers, and readings.