Can you just walk into a registry office and get married?

Short answer

No, you cannot just walk in and marry on the day. You must give notice in person at your local register office, then wait at least 28 full days before the ceremony. A registrar will conduct the legal ceremony at a booked time.

You need to plan ahead. First, both of you must give notice of marriage in person at the register office for the district where you have lived for at least the last 7 days. This is a legal appointment, not a casual visit. You will need to bring identification and proof of address, and you will pay a fee.

After giving notice, you must wait at least 28 full days before the ceremony can take place. That wait can be longer if either of you is subject to immigration control. Your notice is valid for 12 months, so you must marry within that time.

On the day, you will need two witnesses, and you will sign a marriage schedule or document, not a register book. The ceremony itself can be very simple, just the legal words and your signatures. If you want a more personalised ceremony, you can add poems, songs or non-religious readings, as long as the registrar agrees. Religious content like hymns or prayers is not allowed in a civil ceremony.

If you are unsure about any detail, check with your local register office or GOV.UK, as rules can change. Give yourself plenty of time, especially if you want a popular date or venue.