How much does it cost to get married?
The unavoidable legal costs are a notice fee for each of you, a ceremony fee, and the cost of any marriage certificate copies. A statutory register office ceremony is the cheapest option; approved venues and weekend slots cost considerably more because the council charges for registrar attendance.
What is fixed and what is not
The notice fee is set nationally and collected by your council. Ceremony fees are set locally, so two neighbouring districts can differ substantially for the same service.
Where the money actually goes
- Notice fee — per person, paid at the appointment
- Ceremony fee — statutory register office ceremony, or registrar attendance at an approved venue
- Venue hire — paid to the venue, not the council
- Marriage certificate copies — per copy
Reducing the legal cost
A weekday statutory ceremony with two witnesses is the lowest-cost legal marriage. Couples often do this and hold the celebration separately.
What this means for you
- Always check your own council's current fee list — figures change each financial year.
- Budget for certificate copies if either of you is changing names.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 16 August 2026 · Next review due 16 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.