A 3-month marriage timeline

Three months is comfortable for the legal process, since it comfortably exceeds the 28-day notice period, but it means moving quickly on documents, appointment booking and venue confirmation in the first few weeks.

Weeks 1-2: confirm eligibility and gather documents

Check you both have valid photo ID and proof of address, and locate any final order, dissolution order or death certificate needed to show a previous marriage or civil partnership has ended. If anything needs replacing, order it immediately.

Weeks 2-4: confirm the venue and book notice

Hold your ceremony date with the venue and the relevant registration service, then book your notice appointments as soon as the date and venue are firm.

Weeks 4-8: give notice and wait

Attend your notice appointments in person. From that point the 28-day countdown runs (70 days if either of you is referred for further checks), leaving several weeks of margin before the wedding.

Final weeks: confirm the details

Use the remaining time to confirm witnesses, the ceremony wording if it is a civil ceremony, and any certified copies of the marriage certificate you want ordered on the day.

What this means for you

Three months only works comfortably if documents are gathered in the first fortnight.
If either of you is subject to immigration control, three months is tight — check the 70-day rule applies before committing to the date.

Official sources

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

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