The Legal Requirements

It is a legal requirement that you inform the Superintendent Registrar in the district where you live of your intention to marry or to register a Civil Partnership*(this is called "Giving Notice").

You will need to give your personal details and make a declaration that you are both free to marry/register as civil partners.  An appointment will normally be necessary.

You will be able to enter your notice of marriage/civil partnership after you have lived for at least seven consecutive days at one address.  It does not matter if you move to a different address after you have given notice. 

You must each attend at your local register office in person, you do not have to attend on the same day but the minimum waiting period is calculated from the date of the second notice. You must then wait at least 16 days before the marriage/civil partnership can take place. The notice is valid for one year from the date it is given.

*A Civil Partnership A civil partnership is for same sex couples and is formed when both partners sign the legal document in the presence of a registrar and two witnesses. Registered couples will have legal status as "Registered Civil Partners".  The legal requirements are the same as for marriage.  A Registered Civil Partnership can only be dissolved through a court-based process, similar to the divorce process.