What are 10 things to consider before getting married?

Short answer

Before getting married, consider your legal notice and venue, your budget, your guest list, your shared values and future plans, how you will handle finances, your living arrangements, your families' expectations, your wedding style, your witnesses, and whether you want a religious or civil ceremony.

Start with the legal side. In England and Wales, you must give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony, and you must be 18 or over. In Scotland, give notice at least 29 days ahead, and in Northern Ireland, 28 days. Check the rules for your area on GOV.UK, as they can change.

Then think about the practicalities. Agree on a budget you both feel comfortable with, and decide roughly how many guests you can host. Talk about where you will live, whether you will combine finances, and what your career or family plans might look like over the next few years.

Consider the tone of the day. Do you want a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony, or both? Remember that in England and Wales, civil ceremonies cannot include hymns or prayers. If you want a humanist or religious ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, you may need a separate civil ceremony too.

Finally, choose your two witnesses, and think about how your families and friends will be involved. It is your wedding, but being kind and clear about expectations early helps everyone. Also, remember you do not have to change your name, and your marriage certificate is the proof you need if you do.