When is the best time to give notice of marriage?
The best time to give notice is once your ceremony date and venue are confirmed, and early enough that the 28-day (or 70-day) wait comfortably clears before the wedding — but not so early that it falls outside the 12-month validity window.
Balancing two limits
Notice must be given at least 28 days (or 70 if referred) before your ceremony, but it also expires 12 months after it is given. That gives you a window to aim for: broadly, somewhere between one and nine months before the wedding for most couples, depending on how far in advance you have booked.
Confirm the venue first
Because notice records your ceremony details, give notice only once the venue and date are firm. Giving notice before the venue is confirmed risks a mismatch that can require a further appointment.
Book the appointment early
Register offices can have limited notice appointment slots, particularly in summer. Book as soon as you know your date, even if the appointment itself happens some weeks later.
What this means for you
- Aim to give notice with a healthy margin over the legal minimum, not right at 28 days.
- Do not give notice so early that your ceremony date risks falling outside the 12-month limit.
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.