Marriage requirements in England
To marry in England you must both be at least 18, free to marry, not closely related, and able to give your notice in person at the register office covering the district you have lived in for at least the last seven days. Marriage law is the same across England and Wales, but the notice appointment happens locally.
Who can marry
The core conditions are set nationally: minimum age of 18, no existing marriage or civil partnership, no prohibited relationship, and genuine consent. None of these vary by council.
Where notice is given
Notice is a local process. You attend the register office covering the district where you live, and if you and your partner live in different districts you each attend your own local office.
Council-run register offices can differ in appointment availability, opening hours and accepted supporting documents, so check your own office's page before booking.
Ceremony venues in England
You can marry at a register office, at premises approved by the local authority for civil ceremonies, or in a religious building registered to conduct marriages.
What this means for you
- The law is uniform, but the process — appointment slots, document checks, fees — is run council by council.
- Living in different districts to your partner is normal and just means two separate notice appointments.
Official sources
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.