Civil Ceremonies

The following regulations apply for a civil ceremony in England & Wales to be legally recognised.

Residency Requirements

There are residency requirements prior to marriage taking place in England and Wales.

The marriage can take place as long as both parties have lived in a registration district for at least seven days immediately before giving their notice of marriage.

Giving Notice

In England and Wales it is a legal requirement for both parties to the marriage to give notice of their intention to marry to declare they are legally free to marry. Notice must be given in person to the superintendent registrar at their local registry office(s), where it will be displayed for a period of 15 days before the marriage can take place and within 12 months from the date notice was given.

Where you can marry

Civil ceremonies in England and Wales can take place in either a registry office or an approved premise such as castles, hotels, stately homes etc.

Who can solemnise the ceremony

The ceremony is solemnised by a superintendent registrar. The registrar is present at the ceremony to register the marriage.