Marriage registration procedure

Although you may have a civil marriage in any district within England and Wales, notice of marriage needs to be given to the Superintendent Registrar of the district in which you live.  You must have been resident in the district for the preceding seven days. If you both live in the same district you should attend your local Register Office together, if possible, although it is possible to visit separately, to give your notice of marriage. If you live in different registration districts then each of you will need to give notice separately in your own area.

After giving notice you must allow at least 15 clear days before you can marry. For example, if you give notice on the 1st day of the month the earliest you would be able to marry would be the 17th of that same month. Your marriage must then take place within twelve months of the date you gave notice.

The Superintendent Registrar will tell you when your authority to marry is due to be issued.
If you are marrying in another district, you will need to take these certificates to that district before the day of the wedding.