Information about the legal requirements for civil weddings and civil partnerships
Civil Weddings - Legal RequirementsYou need to both give notice of your intention to marry before you can marry in a register office/licensed premises. You and your partner must do this in person at the Register Office covering your district of residence preferably on the same day. Notices are a legal statement that must be signed by you and the person you are marrying. If you live in a different district to the person that you are marrying, you must give notice at the Registrar Office in each district. Legal notice of marriage can be given up to one year in advance of the date of marriage. To marry in this country you must meet the following conditions: You must both have lived in any district in England or Wales for seven days before the date you give notice of marriage. It does not matter if either of you moves to a different address once you have given notice. For a civil ceremony the marriage can take place either in the register office where you have given notice, or any register office of your choice, or any licensed premises. Once you have given notice, you must wait 15 clear days before getting married. The notice is publicly displayed in the register office for this period. The couple will be required to produce passports or birth certificates and one other identity document as well as utility bill, rent or council tax document, as proof or residence. Where applicable, confirmation of marital status will be required either with a death certificate or divorce decree. An authority must be issued for each person after the 15 clear days has elapsed. If you marry outside the district where you have given notice, the authorities must be collected as these are legal documents allowing the marriage to take place. You must give the authorities to the Superintendent Registrar where the marriage is to take place. Authorities are valid for 12 months from the date of notice. If you are subject to immigration control and plan to get married in the UK you will need to follow new rules. Further information can be obtained from your local Superintendent Registrar. FEES AND DOCUMENTS Prices until March 21, 2007 Notices £60.00 per couple Marriage certificate £3.50 Marriage fee – Register office Registered building e.g. chapel £47 Approved venue Monday to Friday £295 Saturday £310 Sunday and Bank Holiday £340 Payable no later than four weeks before the ceremony
Civil Partnership - Legal RequirementsYou must both have lived in any district in England or Wales for seven days before the date you give notice of marriage. It does not matter if either of you moves to a different address once you have given notice. For a civil partnership the registration can take place either in the register office or any licensed premises. Once you have given notice, you must wait 15 clear days before getting married. The notice is publicly displayed in the register office for this period. The couple will be required to produce passports or birth certificates and one other identity document as well as utility bill, rent or council tax document, as proof or residence. Where applicable, confirmation of marital status will be required either with a death certificate or divorce decree. An authority must be issued for each person after the 15 clear days has elapsed. If you marry outside the district where you have given notice, the authorities must be collected as these are legal documents allowing the marriage to take place. You must give the authorities to the Superintendent Registrar where the marriage is to take place. Authorities are valid for 12 months from the date of notice.