Notice of marriage calculator (England, Wales, Scotland, NI)

Use this notice of marriage calculator to work out your key dates. Pick the nation where you are marrying and enter your wedding date. We show the last day you can give notice, the earliest possible date and when your notice runs out.

Rules differ across the UK. In England and Wales you must give notice at least 28 full days before the ceremony, and it is valid for 12 months. In Scotland allow at least 29 days, though registrars advise 10 to 12 weeks. Northern Ireland also requires at least 28 days. If either partner is subject to immigration control, the waiting period can be longer.

Always confirm with your local register office or GOV.UK, as rules can change.

Give notice early rather than waiting until the last day. You must attend in person at your local register office, usually where you have lived for at least the last 7 days.

• Book your appointment as soon as you have a venue or date in mind.
• Check whether you need to give notice in a different district if you live apart.
• Allow extra time if either partner is subject to immigration control.
• Remember that notice is valid for 12 months, so your wedding must take place within that window.

Once you have given notice, you will receive a marriage schedule or document to sign on the day. This replaced the old register book in 2021. You need two witnesses present at the ceremony.

The legal ceremony must take place at a register office, an approved venue or a registered religious building. Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings. A religious ceremony on its own is only legally binding if it is in a registered building with an authorised person present.

If you are unsure, check GOV.UK or ask your register office before you plan the rest of your day.