So you wanna get married?

Wedding of Kerry and Karl Sacxton that I officiated at.  Photo used with their kind permission.

Getting Married in England and Wales

Introduction

Getting married is one of the most significant events in a couple’s life. In England and Wales, couples have several options when it comes to wedding ceremonies, ranging from traditional Christian services to secular, non-religious ceremonies. This guide provides all the necessary legal, practical, and planning details to help you navigate the process seamlessly.

Legal Requirements for Marriage

General Requirements

  • Both partners must be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent in Wales, but not England).
  • The couple must give notice of marriage at their local register office at least 29 days before the wedding.
  • The marriage must take place in a licensed venue or be officiated by an authorized person.
  • At least two witnesses must be present.

Documents Required

  • Valid passports or birth certificates
  • Proof of address (utility bill, driving licence, or bank statement)
  • If previously married, a decree absolute or death certificate of a former spouse
  • A visa if either partner is from outside the UK

Christian Wedding Ceremonies

Church of England Weddings

  • Legal and religious in one ceremony – no need for a separate civil registration.
  • Conducted by a Church of England minister.
  • Couples usually must attend church services in the parish where they plan to marry.
  • Banns (public announcements of intent to marry) are read in church for three Sundays before the wedding.

Roman Catholic Weddings

  • The couple must attend pre-marriage classes.
  • At least one partner should be a baptized Catholic.
  • If one partner is not Catholic, the couple may need a dispensation from the bishop.
  • A civil marriage license is also required to ensure legal recognition.

Other Christian Denominations

  • Baptist Churches:  You need to register the intention of marriage at your local registry office.  They will issue the required form to the ‘appointed person’.  This is someone with the church recognised (and trained) by the registry office to complete the paperwork during the actual ceremony, which cannot take place until the 28 day notice period has passed.
  • Methodist, Pentecostal, and other Christian churches may have their own requirements.
  • Some churches require premarital counselling.
  • If the officiant is not legally registered, a civil ceremony may be needed for legal validity.

Non-Religious Wedding Ceremonies

Civil Ceremonies

  • Conducted by a registrar in a register office or approved venue.
  • No religious content is allowed in vows or readings.
  • Fees vary depending on location and day of the week.

Humanist Ceremonies

  • Personalized, meaningful ceremonies conducted by a Humanist celebrant.
  • Not legally binding in England and Wales (a civil ceremony is needed for legal recognition).

Celebrant-Led Weddings

  • Can be held in any location (indoor or outdoor).
  • Couples have full control over vows, readings, and structure.
  • Requires a civil ceremony for legal recognition.

Same-Sex Marriages

  • Legally recognized since 2014.
  • Available as civil, religious (if the church allows it), or humanist ceremonies.


Chris Nuttall Life Events

Baby Naming, Weddings, Wedding Vow Renewals & Funeral/Celebration of Life Ceremonies.

Owned and Operated by the Rev. Chris Nuttall

A ordained Christian Minister and Celebrant offering both Christian and Non-Religious Ceremonies throughout South Yorkshire.

www.chrisnuttalllifeevents.co.uk

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