How much does a register office wedding cost?
A register office wedding costs the two notice fees plus the ceremony fee set by the council. A statutory ceremony in a small room on a weekday is the cheapest; larger ceremony rooms, Saturdays and bank holidays cost more, and certificate copies are charged separately.
Statutory versus enhanced ceremonies
A statutory ceremony is short, legally complete and limited to you and two witnesses. Enhanced ceremonies allow guests, music and readings in a larger room, at a higher fee.
Day of the week matters
Saturday fees are commonly a multiple of weekday fees because of registrar staffing. Moving a ceremony to a weekday is usually the single largest saving available.
Comparing districts
You may marry in a district you do not live in, and fees vary between councils. Our directory lists each office with the date its details were last checked.
What this means for you
- The legal minimum is far cheaper than most couples expect.
- Fees change each April in many councils — verify before budgeting.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 16 August 2026 · Next review due 16 November 2026
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Related guides
Find your register office
Search our directory of register offices in England and Wales. Every entry shows when we last checked it against official council sources.
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.