Marriages

What I need to do

Overview: Giving notice of marriage

What documentation do I require before I give notice?

Before you go to give notice of a marriage in England and Wales please follow the guidance regarding residency requirements and documentation required.

Are you subject to immigration control?

If you or the person you wish to marry are subject to immigration control, you can only give notice of marriage at designated register offices (pdf, 26k) which you must attend together. There are 76 designated register offices in England and Wales.

To find out if you are subject to immigration control please see the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website or telephone 0870 606 7766.

Alternatively you can email indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

What is a notice of marriage?

It is a legal requirement to give notice of marriage and, once given, your notice of marriage is displayed on the notice board at the register office for a period of fifteen clear days. Your notice of marriage is valid for 12 months.

A notice of marriage is a legal document required by the Marriage Act 1949 and states for each person:

• name and surname
• age
• condition
• address
• occupation
• nationality
• intended marriage venue