What is the cheapest way to get legally married?
The cheapest legal route is a short, weekday ceremony at your local register office with two witnesses and no extras, paying only the statutory notice fees, the council's basic ceremony fee, and one certified copy of your marriage certificate afterwards. Anything added on top — an approved venue, a bespoke ceremony, extra guests or additional certificates — increases the cost.
The minimum legal requirements
Legally, all a marriage needs is two eligible people, two witnesses, a registered building or approved venue, and the correct officials present. You do not need a reception, guests beyond the witnesses, or any ceremony content beyond the legal wording.
A standard register office ceremony on a weekday, in the office's own room, is usually the lowest-cost version of this on offer from any council.
Where the cost actually comes from
There are three cost points: the notice fee each of you pays when you give notice, the council's ceremony fee, and any certified copies of the certificate you order afterwards. Notice and certificate fees are set nationally; ceremony fees are set locally and vary by council and by day of the week.
Choosing a weekday appointment, keeping the ceremony to the standard short form, and ordering only the certificate copies you actually need are the main levers on cost.
Where people spend more than they need to
Approved venues add a separate registrar attendance fee on top of the venue's own charge. Bespoke or extended ceremonies typically cost more than the standard form. Rush fees can apply if you need documents or appointments outside normal timescales.
- Book a weekday slot rather than a Saturday
- Choose the register office's own room rather than an approved venue
- Order one certified copy of the certificate rather than several
What this means for you
- A legally valid marriage does not require a big wedding — the paperwork is identical either way.
- Confirm your council's current fees directly, since the cheapest option still varies from area to area.
- You can always hold a separate celebration later if you marry simply now to meet a deadline.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Fees for marriages and civil partnerships
- GOV.UK — Marriages and civil partnerships in the UK
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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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.