Simply MarriedEngland & Wales

Marrying when you've recently moved to England or Wales

You can give notice as soon as you have been resident in a registration district for at least seven days, so a recent move does not stop you marrying — it just means you must wait for that seven-day period to pass before booking your notice appointment there, and give notice in the district covering where you actually live now.

The seven-day rule

Each of you must give notice in the registration district where you've lived for the seven days immediately before your appointment. If you've just moved, count forward seven days from your move-in date before booking.

If you and your partner live in different districts

It's common for one or both of you to have moved recently for work, study or to move in together. You each still give notice separately in your own district of residence, even if that means two different register offices, and the notices are then linked administratively.

Proving you live there

If you haven't yet transferred bills or registered to vote at the new address, bring whatever evidence you can — a tenancy agreement, an employer's confirmation, or a letter from whoever you're staying with — and check with the register office in advance what they'll accept.

What this means for you

  • Don't book a notice appointment before you've hit seven days' residence at your new address.
  • You may need to give notice at a different register office than the one nearest your old address.
  • Have address evidence ready even if formal paperwork in your name hasn't caught up yet.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026

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Related guides

Can you marry when your partner has no UK address yet?How to give notice of marriage when one partner has recently arrived in England or Wales and has not settled at a permanent address.Getting married when you and your partner live in different districtsCouples living in different council areas each give notice locally. Here is how that works and how it affects your ceremony booking.What documents do I need to get married?The documents to bring to your notice appointment: photo identity, proof of address, and evidence that any previous marriage has ended.

Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.