Getting married in England: the legal steps, in order

The legal side of a wedding in England and Wales is short, but it has fixed deadlines. Miss one and the date can move. These are the steps for a civil ceremony or a ceremony at an approved venue, in the order you will meet them.

1. Choose the venue before you give notice

Your notice of marriage names the place where the ceremony will happen, and the marriage can only take place there. That means the venue has to be decided first. If it is a hotel, barn or country house rather than a register office, it must be licensed as approved premises; GOV.UK lets you search the list.

2. Give notice at your local register office

• Each of you must give notice in person. A friend or relative cannot do it for you, and it cannot be done by phone.
• Councils generally ask that each of you has lived in the registration district for at least seven full days before giving notice.
• Notice can be given up to 12 months before the ceremony, and it is valid for 12 months.
• Book the appointment early. In busy districts, notice appointments can be weeks away.

3. The 28-day wait

After notice is given it is displayed publicly for 28 clear days, so the earliest ceremony date is the 29th day. The period was raised from 15 to 28 days in March 2015. For some people subject to immigration control, the Home Office can extend it to 70 days, so international couples should allow more time.

4. On the day: two witnesses

A marriage needs at least two witnesses, who sign the marriage schedule with the couple and the registrar or officiant. Home Office guidance sets no minimum age, only that witnesses understand what is happening, although some councils ask that they are over 16. Check with your registrar.

What this means for planning

• Secure the venue, then book the notice appointment straight away.
• Put the 28-day window (or 70 days, if it may apply) in your plan as a fixed date.
• Confirm your two witnesses early and tell them they will be signing.
• Suppliers such as production, DJs and stationery can be booked alongside, but the venue name on your invitations should match the venue on your notice.

Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This guide covers England and Wales. Check GOV.UK and your local register office before relying on any date.