Simply MarriedEngland & Wales

What's the process for a two-person, legal-only wedding?

A legal-only wedding — sometimes with no guests beyond the required witnesses — follows the same legal process as any other marriage: you each give notice, wait out the notice period, and hold a ceremony where you, two witnesses and the person conducting it sign the marriage schedule. The only real difference is scale, not legal steps.

The steps don't shrink

Even with no reception, no guests and a short ceremony, you still need to give notice individually, meet the standard 28-day wait, and have your two required witnesses present, since these are legal requirements rather than tied to the size of the event.

Where witnesses come from

If you don't want to invite anyone, most register offices can provide witnesses on request, often members of staff, so a small ceremony doesn't need to mean recruiting friends specifically for the role.

Booking a small ceremony

Register offices typically offer a basic ceremony option designed for exactly this scenario, which can be quicker to book and lower cost than a fuller ceremony with additional readings or music. Ask what your local office offers.

What this means for you

  • You can't skip notice or the waiting period just because the wedding itself is small.
  • Ask your register office if they can provide witnesses if you'd rather not involve guests.
  • A basic ceremony option is often cheaper and quicker to book than a fuller one.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026

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Related guides

How do you choose and brief your wedding witnesses?You need two witnesses aged 16 or over to sign your marriage schedule — here's how to choose them and what to tell them beforehand.What to expect at a register office ceremonyWhat a register office wedding actually involves: timing, guest numbers, the legal wording, and what you can and cannot personalise.The marriage process for a small or simple weddingHow the legal process works for a small wedding: the same notice and eligibility rules apply, whatever the guest list.

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.