How marriage registration works
Marriage registration happens in two stages: the register office records your notice of marriage, and then the marriage itself is registered when you and your witnesses sign the marriage schedule (or register) at the ceremony. That signed record is what makes the marriage legally recognised.
Notice creates the first record
When you give notice, the register office records your details and displays a notice locally as required by law. This is a public record check, not the marriage itself.
The marriage schedule or register
For most civil and many religious ceremonies, a marriage schedule is issued after notice and collected before the ceremony. You, your partner and two witnesses sign it at the ceremony, and it is returned to the register office to complete registration.
Some religious ceremonies still use a marriage register kept at the venue, which is a different but equivalent process.
Getting your certificate
Once registered, you can order copies of your marriage certificate from the register office or via the General Register Office. This is usually needed for changing your name on official documents.
What this means for you
- Signing on the day is what legally completes the marriage — the ceremony alone is not enough without it.
- You will usually need to order your certificate separately after the ceremony, not receive it automatically.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Marriages and civil partnerships in the UK
- GOV.UK — Order a copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate
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.