When does the notice period start?
The notice period starts on the day each of you gives notice in person at your register office, not the day you booked the appointment. If you and your partner give notice on different days, each person's clock starts separately, and the marriage cannot go ahead until both periods have run.
Notice is given in person, on the day
You cannot give notice by post, phone or online — each of you must attend an appointment and sign the notice in front of a registrar. That appointment date is what starts the clock, so a delay in getting an appointment is a delay in when your countdown begins.
Different days for each partner
If you live in different districts, you will likely have separate appointments, possibly on different dates. Your marriage cannot take place until the later of the two notice periods has ended, so it is worth booking both appointments close together.
Counting the days
The 28 days (or 70, if referred) are counted from the day after notice is given. Register offices can confirm your exact earliest date at the appointment.
What this means for you
- Book both partners' notice appointments as close together as possible to avoid one lagging behind.
- Ask the register office to confirm your exact earliest marriage date at the appointment itself.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
Check when you need to give notice
The free check works backwards from your ceremony date and tells you the window your notice appointments need to fall inside.
Check when to give notice60 seconds · Free · No account needed
Related questions
Related guides
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.