Planning a wedding in the UK? Whether you’re dreaming of a grand castle ceremony, a chic city wedding, or a romantic countryside elopement, the process starts with one crucial step—making it legal! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this fun, detailed, and stress-free guide to getting married in the UK.
Buckle up! This guide will help you navigate the legalities, paperwork, and venue choices—without losing your sanity. Let’s make your I do’s official!
Step 1: Decide on the Type of Wedding Ceremony 🎩💍
Before diving into venues and flowers, you need to choose the type of wedding you want. In the UK, there are three main options:
1️⃣ Civil Ceremony
- A non-religious ceremony performed by a registrar.
- Can take place at a register office or an approved venue (hotels, stately homes, botanical gardens, etc.).
- You’ll need at least two witnesses.
2️⃣ Religious Ceremony
- Can be held in a church, temple, mosque, synagogue, or other places of worship.
- Anglican weddings (Church of England/Wales) don’t require a separate civil registration.
- If you’re marrying in a non-Anglican religious venue, you might need a registrar to make it legal.
3️⃣ Humanist or Celebrant-Led Wedding
- A humanist wedding is legal in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Jersey but not yet in England and Wales.
- You’ll need to do a separate legal marriage registration at a register office.
💡 Thinking of an elopement? You still need to go through the same legal process—unless you opt for a quick registry office wedding before jetting off to your dream destination.
Step 2: Give Notice of Marriage 📜
To legally marry in the UK, you must “give notice” at your local register office at least 29 days before your wedding. This step ensures that you meet all marriage requirements in the UK.
What You Need to Do:
✔ Both partners must go to the register office in person.
✔ You must have lived in the UK for at least 7 days before giving notice.
✔ Your notice will be publicly displayed for 29 days before approval.
Documents You’ll Need:
🆔 Passport or birth certificate
📍 Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
💔 Proof of divorce or widowhood (if applicable)
🛂 Visa (if you’re from outside the UK)
💡 International couples: If one of you isn’t a UK citizen, you may need a Marriage Visitor Visa or Fiancé(e) Visa. Get the latest rules here.
Step 3: Choose Your Wedding Venue 🏰
Now, for the fun part—where will you say I do? The UK has stunning wedding venues for every couple’s style:
🏰 Historic Castles – Fancy a fairytale wedding? Check out Highclere Castle (yes, the Downton Abbey castle!).
🌿 Rustic Barns – Dreaming of a countryside wedding? Cripps Barn is a stunning option.
🏙 Chic City Venues – Want a modern vibe? Try The Gherkin in London for epic skyline views.
🌊 Coastal Weddings – Love the ocean? Consider a Cornish cliffside elopement or the breathtaking Isle of Skye in Scotland.
💡 Important: Your venue must be licensed for weddings unless you plan to do a separate legal ceremony first.
Step 4: Book an Officiant and Registrar 📖
✔ Civil ceremony? Book a registrar from your local council ASAP—especially if your wedding is on a popular date!
✔ Religious ceremony? Speak with your place of worship to ensure the ceremony meets UK marriage laws.
💡 Weddings in Scotland and Northern Ireland allow outdoor ceremonies with more flexibility!
Step 5: Plan the Paperwork & Final Details 📑
What Happens on the Wedding Day?
- You’ll need two witnesses to sign the register.
- Your Marriage Schedule (or Marriage Document) must be signed by you, your partner, the officiant, and your witnesses.
- Your officiant will register your marriage, and boom—you’re officially married! 🎉
💡 Need extra copies of your marriage certificate? Order them from the General Register Office.
Step 6: Celebrate Like You Mean It! 🎊
Now, the best part—celebrating! Whether you’re having an intimate dinner or a wild party, make your wedding unforgettable:
🍾 Toast with Pimm’s or classic British gin cocktails.
🎶 Dance the night away with a live band or ceilidh music (Scottish weddings, I see you!).
🍽 Feast on a traditional British wedding breakfast—yes, it’s a thing!
💡 Fun fact: In some parts of Scotland, it’s tradition for the groom to be “kidnapped” by friends the night before the wedding. Beware!
💰 How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in the UK?
Here’s a rough breakdown:
📜 Giving notice fee – £35–£47 per person
💒 Registry office wedding – from £50
🎩 Licensed venue wedding – from £500 (but luxury venues can cost £10,000+)
📸 Wedding photography – from £1,000 to £5,000+
💡 Want a budget-friendly wedding? Consider a weekday ceremony—venues and registrars often charge less!
Bonus: Best Wedding Venues in the UK
✔ London: The Ritz London – timeless luxury
✔ Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle – iconic castle views
✔ Cotswolds: Barnsley House – charming countryside escape
Capture Every Moment with Stunning Wedding Photography 📸
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and unforgettable moments—you’ll want to relive it again and again.
✨ Let me help you tell your love story through breathtaking images! Explore my wedding photography portfolio, check out my photo packages, and let’s create something magical together. Contact me here!
💡 Final Tip: Whether you’re planning a castle wedding, a countryside elopement, or a registry office ceremony, the most important thing is celebrating your love—paperwork and all! Happy wedding planning! 🎉
