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Giving notice to the Register Office

 
For all marriages - except those that take place at a Church of England - you must give notice of your intention to marry at least 16 days before the wedding takes place.

Notices of marriage are valid for one year.

Giving notice in your borough

If you live in the borough of Greenwich you must give notice at Greenwich Register Office (regardless of where your ceremony is taking place). You must have lived in this borough for eight consecutive days before you can do this.

If you and your partner live in different boroughs you will need to attend separate Register Offices.

Marriage and immigration law

If you or your partner is subject to Immigration Control different rules apply. Please contact us for more information or go on to the Home Office website.

What do we need to do?

Firstly, you need to make an appointment with the registrar. You can contact the Register Office by phone or email using the details on the right.

What will we need to bring?

You will BOTH need to attend. You are required to supply the following informtion at your meeting with the Registrar.

  • Two proofs of address each - these need to be original documents (photocopies are not accepted). For example, a recent utility bill, medical card, Council Tax statement or bank statement.

  • Photo identification (passport or driving license registered at the address you are currently living at).

  • The fee for the meeting is £30 per person, (payable only by cash or cheque) and you'll need to bring this with you to the meeting.

  • If either of you have been married or been been in a Civil Partnership before you'll need to bring along the original decree absolute/dissolution of partnership document to show the marriage or civil partnership has ended.

  • If you are a widow/er you'll need to bring a death certificate with you.

  • If any documents are in a language other than English, you will need to get these translated before giving them to the Registrar. They will be submitted to the Registrar General for verification.
If you have lost your decree absolute certificate see our webpage for information on how to obtain a copy.

Getting married outside Greenwich?

If you plan to have your ceremony outside Greenwich, you will also need to contact the register office in the district that the wedding is going to take place to arrange a date with your registrar.

You will be issued certificates of authority on the 16th day after you've given notice. This will need to be collected and given to the register office in the district where your ceremony is taking place.

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