Do both people need to attend a notice of marriage appointment?
Both people getting married must each attend a notice appointment, but not together — you each attend your own, separately, at the register office covering where you live. There is no way for one partner to give notice on behalf of the other.
In person, no exceptions
The declaration you make when giving notice is a personal legal statement, so registrars require you to attend in person. This applies regardless of how busy you are or how far you have to travel.
Separate appointments, same ceremony
Even couples living at the same address attend two separate appointments, often on different days. Both notices are recorded against the same planned ceremony details.
Special circumstances
If a person has a serious illness or disability that prevents them attending a register office, alternative arrangements such as a home or hospital visit can sometimes be made — contact the register office directly to discuss this rather than assuming it isn't possible.
What this means for you
- Book two appointments, not one, unless you live in the same district and can arrange consecutive slots.
- If attending in person is genuinely not possible due to illness, raise it with the register office well ahead of time.
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.