What to do when getting married?

Short answer

Start by giving legal notice at your local register office, then book your venue and witnesses. Plan the ceremony and reception, send invitations, and arrange practical details like outfits, food and transport. Allow enough time for notice periods before your date.

Begin with the legal steps, because they set the timeline. In England and Wales, both partners give notice in person at the register office where they have lived for at least seven days. Do this at least 28 full days before the ceremony. In Scotland, submit a marriage notice at least 29 days ahead, and in Northern Ireland give notice at least 28 days before. Your notice is valid for 12 months in England and Wales, so plan your date within that window.

Next, choose your venue. In England and Wales, it must be a register office, an approved venue, or a registered religious building. If you want a civil ceremony, remember it cannot include religious content. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere with the registrar or celebrant. In Northern Ireland, humanist weddings are legally binding.

Then plan the ceremony itself. Choose your readings, music and vows, and arrange two witnesses. Decide whether you will have a religious ceremony, a civil ceremony, or both. If you need a separate civil ceremony to make your marriage legal, book both dates carefully.

After the legal and ceremony plans, focus on the celebration. Send invitations, plan the meal, and arrange outfits and transport. Keep a checklist and share tasks. If you are unsure about any legal detail, check GOV.UK, your register office or your place of worship, because rules can change.