How to Legally Get Married in the UK: A Complete Guide

Planning your wedding and wondering how to legally tie the knot in the UK?

Whether you're dreaming of a grand ceremony, a simple registry office signing, or a legal ceremony at your wedding venue, this guide covers everything you need to know. We'll focus on the process in Manchester (since that's where we're getting married so can answer any more in-depth questions), but the rules apply across England and most of the UK.

1. Legal Requirements for Marriage in the UK

Before you start planning, you’ll need to make sure you meet the basic legal requirements:

• Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal Status: You must be free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed).
• Relation: You cannot marry a close relative.
• Residency: You must have lived in England or Wales for at least 7 days before giving notice.

2. Giving Notice of Marriage

Before you can legally marry, you and your partner must give notice at your local register office. If you and your partner live in different regions you will each need to give notice at your own local office, this is not something that has to be done together. In fact, when you go to give notice, you will each have a separate conversation with the registrar without your partner there should you attend together.

• When? At least 29 days before your wedding date.
• Where? At the register office in the district where you live. (You need to live at least 7 days in the chosen council region prior to giving notice.)
• Cost? In Manchester Registry Office it's £42 per person -  (or £57 if one partner is from outside the UK and requires immigration approval).
• Documents Required: Passport or birth certificate, proof of address, and any necessary divorce papers if previously married.

Your notice of marriage is valid for 12 months, so you’ll need to marry within that timeframe.

What happens when you give notice? It's a question I often see on various forums, with brides-to-be stressing themselves out over this. In truth, it's a very simple process designed to make sure you're legally all good to go on your ceremony day. When you arrive for your appointment, the registrar will ask you some questions such as your legal name, occupation, date and place of birth, your address + the same questions about your partner. It's not a trick quiz so don't worry, just make sure you know these :) You will also need to provide some legal documents to prove you are who you are - best to check on the councils website what they ask for and if you're unsure, just give them a ring. If you're not a British national you will require some additional documentation, which again is listed on their websites.

For us, we have both used the same mortgage statement that has conveniently arrived in the post a week prior to our appointment (it's what prompted us to book it!) and our passports. The whole thing took just under an hour (for both of us together), since the registrar had to enter all our details onto the system. At the end we got the choice of up to 4 people who we would like to have included in our marriage certificate - think parents etc. You do not have to have anyone down but as a whole, it helps with the archival records of families in the city. You can include people who are deceased as well.

3. Registry Office Ceremonies: Simple vs. Extended

Many couples choose to marry at a registry office, and there are two main types of ceremonies available:

Simple Legal Ceremony – Ideal for Elopements & Celebrant Weddings

• What is it? A no-frills legal signing of the marriage register.
• Cost? Around £60 midweek (fees vary by location)
• Duration? Roughly 15 minutes
• Guests? Two witnesses required, no other guests allowed (office dependent)
• Rings? Not required – it’s purely a legal process.
• Perfect for: Couples who want to legally marry before having a separate celebrant-led wedding or elopement.

Extended Registry Office Ceremony – A More Traditional Wedding

• What is it? A longer 'standard' ceremony at the registry office.
• Cost? Up to £440 in Manchester - (depending on the day of the week and location).
• Duration? Up to one hour.
• Guests? Usually a larger guest allowance compared to the simple signing. This depends on the office, some places will have a selection of rooms you can use depending on the number of guests you're having.
• Extras? You can choose music and make the ceremony more personal.
• Perfect for: Couples who want a meaningful but affordable ceremony without booking a separate wedding venue.

Things to Consider for 'standard' ceremonies

Time Slots: Registry office ceremonies typically start at 11 am and run until 3 pm, which can impact your wedding day timeline. Think 11am ceremony - what time will you need to start getting ready/ what time will the wedding breakfast be? And 3pm ceremony - how much time do you have for photos/ mingling before you need to sit down for a meal? We have found the most optimal time for a ceremony is between 1 - 2:30pm but it depends entirely on what you have planned for the day.

Availability: Popular registry offices (such as Manchester’s Pankhurst Suite) can book up quickly, so secure your date early.

4. Legal Wedding Ceremonies at Wedding Venues

For those who want a licensed wedding venue rather than a registry office, the process is slightly different.

• What is it? A registrar from the local council travels to your venue to conduct the legal ceremony.
• Cost? Around £600-800 total (includes notice fees and registrar’s attendance at your venue).
• Venue Requirements: The venue must be licensed for civil ceremonies (check with your chosen location).
• Ceremony Style: While it must be legally non-religious, you can personalise it with readings and music.

Things to Consider

Registrar Booking: You’ll need to check availability early, as registrars have limited time slots (often 11 am to 3 pm).

Impact on Timeline: If you’re hoping for an evening ceremony, a registrar-led legal wedding might not be an option – in that case, consider a separate celebrant ceremony.

Additional Costs: Some venues charge extra for holding a licensed ceremony.

If you're running late while getting ready, registrars sometimes might threaten to leave (typically 5mins is ok but later than that and they will get antsy) - often they have multiple ceremonies in one day with travel in-between, so you need to make sure you avoid delays as much as possible to minimise stress.

What’s the Best Option for You?

• Want a quick, legal-only ceremony? → A simple registry office signing is the most budget-friendly.
• Want a more traditional wedding without a venue? → The extended registry office ceremony offers personalisation at a lower cost than hiring a venue. Then you could consider hosting a nice meal at a local pub.
• Want the full wedding experience at a venue? → Booking a registrar to attend a licensed venue ensures a fully legal ceremony on-site OR have a simple legal signing before your 'wedding date' then have a fully personalised celebrant-led ceremony on-site. No need for a licensed venue when you have a celebrant led wedding.
• Want to elope or have a symbolic wedding abroad? → Legally marry in the UK first with a simple ceremony, then have your dream celebration elsewhere for simplicity.

Final Thoughts

Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding day feels right for you. Whether it’s a simple legal signing, a personalised ceremony at the registry office, or a stunning venue with a registrar, the key is to plan ahead and secure your date early to ensure availability.

For Manchester-based weddings, you can find full details and book appointments at the Manchester Register Office website. If you have any questions at all - just give me a shout and I will be happy to help :)

Happy wedding planning!