Does a Saturday register office wedding cost more?
Most councils charge more for a Saturday ceremony than a weekday one, and some add a further premium for bank holidays. The exact uplift is set locally, so you need to check the fee table for the register office you plan to use.
Why weekends cost more
Councils generally price register office ceremonies in tiers: weekday, Saturday, and sometimes bank holiday, with each tier costing more than the last. This reflects demand — Saturdays are the most requested slot — and, in some areas, staff working outside normal hours.
Sunday ceremonies are less commonly offered at all, and where they exist they are usually priced at or above the Saturday rate.
How big the difference is
There is no single national uplift — one council might charge modestly more for Saturdays, while another prices them at close to double the weekday rate. Because these figures are set locally, GOV.UK does not publish them; you need the fee list from the specific register office.
- Ask for weekday, Saturday and bank holiday prices side by side
- Ask whether early morning or late afternoon Saturday slots cost less
- Ask if the price includes the same room and length of ceremony as a weekday slot
Trading off cost against convenience
A weekday ceremony is the cheapest way to marry at a register office, but it means asking guests to take time off work. Many couples accept the Saturday premium because it suits more guests; others marry quietly on a weekday and celebrate separately at the weekend.
What this means for you
- Don't assume weekday and Saturday prices are the same — ask for both before you book.
- A weekday ceremony remains the cheapest legal option if cost matters more than guest convenience.
- Confirm bank holiday pricing separately, as it can be higher again than a standard Saturday.
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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