Getting Legally Married

Sadly I can’t do all the legal bits that would give you a marriage certificate.

Planning Your Civil Wedding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Announcement of Intent

Couples planning to tie the knot must first declare their intention to marry by visiting their local Register Office. If living in separate areas, each partner must visit their respective offices. The Superintendent Registrar will then authorize the marriage, allowing couples to wed in any Register Office or approved venue within any district.

Mandatory Notice Period

In England and Wales, a 28-day notice period is required at the Register Office before the wedding can proceed. Couples must wed within a year of this notice. A seven-day residency in England or Wales is needed before notice can be given, and a fee is applicable for this process.

Marriage Schedule Issuance

Following the notice period, the Register Office provides a marriage schedule. Ensuring the accuracy of information during notice is crucial as corrections are more accessible at this stage than at the wedding.

Exception to Notice Period

If a partner has a gender recognition certificate and was in a civil partnership with their intended spouse, the 28-day notice can be waived, allowing marriage notice and the ceremony to occur on the same day.

Objection Window

Between the notice and ceremony, there’s an opportunity to object to the marriage on legitimate grounds. Providing false information at any point is a criminal offense.

Required Documentation

Couples must provide proof of identity, address, date of birth, nationality, and—if previously married—proof of the marriage’s end. Various documents are accepted, with passports and birth certificates being common. For specific requirements, couples should consult their Register Office.

International Couples’ Considerations

Overseas individuals may present passports or other identity documents like birth certificates. Depending on their intentions in the UK, they may need a marriage visitor visa or a fiancé, proposed civil partner visa, or a family permit.

Immigration Control Procedures

Those marrying in England and Wales must give notice at a Register Office. If the registrar suspects a marriage is for immigration purposes, they must report it, possibly leading to an extended notice period and investigations by the Home Office.

The Ceremony

Civil marriage ceremonies are brief, typically 10-15 minutes, and include a statement on marriage and vows that cannot be religious. Couples can add non-religious personal touches and exchange rings if desired.

Legalizing the Union

Post-ceremony, the marriage schedule is signed by the couple, the registrar, and witnesses who must be capable of understanding the ceremony’s language and its significance.

Registrar Fees

A ceremony fee is applicable, and certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for an additional fee. Extra copies may also be requested for further charges.