What documents do you need for your marriage notice appointment?
You need original photo identity, original proof of your current address, and — if either of you has been married or in a civil partnership before — the original final order, dissolution order or death certificate. Registrars will not accept photocopies, scans or expired documents without checking first.
Identity
A current passport is the most straightforward option and is accepted by every register office. If you do not hold one, ask your register office in advance what alternative evidence it accepts, since practice varies between councils.
Address
You need to show you live where you say you do. Council tax bills, tenancy agreements, utility bills and bank statements are typically accepted, though how recent they must be depends on the council.
Previous marriages or civil partnerships
If you have been married or in a civil partnership before, bring the original document proving it ended: a final order, a dissolution order, or a death certificate if a former spouse or civil partner has died.
Documents issued overseas can take longer to verify and may need official translation, so locate these well ahead of booking.
Names that do not match
If your identity documents show a different name from your other paperwork, bring evidence linking them, such as a deed poll or marriage certificate, so the appointment is not delayed.
What this means for you
- Order replacement certificates as soon as you know you need them — they routinely take weeks, not days.
- Check your specific council's accepted-document list, since detail differs even though the underlying law is the same everywhere.
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.