A breakdown of what you actually pay to get married
Getting legally married involves up to four cost points: the notice fee you each pay when you give notice, the register office or venue ceremony fee, certified copies of your marriage certificate, and — for some couples — extra costs such as replacing documents or a Home Office referral fee. Notice and certificate fees are set nationally; ceremony fees vary by council and venue.
1. Notice fee
Each of you pays a fee to give notice at your own register office, whether or not you are marrying in that district. This is set nationally, so it should be the same wherever you give notice — confirm the current amount with GOV.UK or your register office.
2. Ceremony fee
The wedding itself carries a separate fee, set by the local authority where you marry. A standard register office ceremony is generally the lowest-cost option; approved venues add a further registrar attendance charge on top of the venue's own fee.
3. Certificate costs
After the wedding, certified copies of your marriage certificate are ordered and paid for separately, whether on the day or afterwards. Only order the number of copies you realistically need.
4. Costs that only apply to some couples
If either of you is subject to immigration control, a Home Office referral and investigation fee can apply on top of the standard notice fee. If you need to replace lost documents — a decree absolute, a death certificate, a birth certificate — there are separate reissue fees from the relevant issuing body.
- Notice fee, per person
- Ceremony fee, set by the marrying council or approved venue
- Certificate copies, ordered after the ceremony
- Immigration referral fee, where it applies
- Any document replacement fees
What this means for you
- Budget for four possible cost points, not one lump sum, and confirm each figure with the relevant office rather than a single source.
- The two fees most couples underestimate are the venue registrar attendance fee and extra certificate copies.
- Check early whether the immigration referral fee applies to you, since it changes both cost and timing.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Fees for marriages and civil partnerships
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- GOV.UK — Marriage and civil partnership referral and investigation scheme
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
Not sure which rules apply to you?
Answer a few quick questions and see your route, your likely register office and your earliest date. 60 seconds, free, no account needed.
Take the free marriage check60 seconds · Free · No account needed
Related questions
Related guides
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.