How long does it take to get married in the UK?
In practice, allow at least 28 days between giving notice and marrying, but the total timeline usually runs longer because you need to book a notice appointment first and gather documents. Most couples find 8-12 weeks from deciding to marry to the ceremony a comfortable minimum.
The legal minimum versus the practical minimum
The law sets a 28-day notice period: your marriage cannot take place until at least 28 days after you both give notice at your local register office. That is the legal floor, not the whole timeline.
Before you can give notice, you usually need to book an appointment, and popular register offices can be booked up for several weeks. Add document gathering, and a realistic total is often six to twelve weeks even for a simple ceremony.
What can extend the wait
If either of you is subject to immigration control, the Home Office can refer your notice for further checks, extending the wait to up to 70 days rather than 28.
Replacing a lost passport, decree absolute or death certificate can also add weeks, and these documents are needed before you attend your notice appointment.
Working out your own timeline
Start from your ceremony date and count backwards: notice period, plus appointment booking lead time, plus a margin for anything that needs replacing. That order avoids the most common cause of delay — assuming notice can be given later than it actually can.
What this means for you
- Book your notice appointment as soon as you have a ceremony date in mind, not once documents are ready.
- If either of you is subject to immigration control, plan for 70 days rather than 28.
- Missing documents, not the notice period itself, are the usual reason weddings get delayed.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- 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.