How do you change or cancel a booked ceremony?
If you need to change or cancel a booked ceremony, contact your register office or venue as soon as possible, since your notice of marriage may record the original date and venue and could need updating. Fees already paid for the ceremony booking are set locally and are not always refundable, so check the terms before assuming you'll get money back.
How this affects your notice
Your notice of marriage records your proposed ceremony date and venue, so if either changes, tell your register office promptly. A minor date shift within the same notice period may simply need updating, but a bigger change, especially of venue, can require fresh notice.
Cancelling a booking
If you're cancelling altogether rather than rescheduling, get written confirmation from the register office or venue so there's no ambiguity later, particularly if you plan to rebook for a future date.
Fees and refunds
Ceremony booking fees are set locally by each register office or by your chosen venue, and refund policies vary. Some offer a partial refund or the option to move your fee to a new date; others don't. Ask before you cancel, not after.
What this means for you
- Tell your register office about any change as soon as you know, since your notice may need updating.
- Don't assume a refund is automatic — check the specific terms you booked under.
- Rescheduling within your existing notice's validity is usually simpler than cancelling and starting again.
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.