How long does giving notice of marriage take?
The notice appointment itself usually takes 30 to 45 minutes per person. Separately, the statutory notice period — the wait before you're allowed to marry — is normally 28 days, though it can extend to 70 days where immigration referral checks apply.
The appointment
Each of you attends your own appointment, so allow for two separate slots if you live in different districts. Booking availability itself can be the longer wait — some register offices have several weeks' delay for appointment slots, especially in busy periods.
The waiting period
Once notice is given, you must wait at least 28 clear days before the ceremony can take place. This standard period applies to most couples marrying in England and Wales.
If either of you is subject to immigration control and your case is referred for further checks, the wait extends to up to 70 days.
Planning around both waits
Because appointment availability and the notice period are separate, book your notice appointment as early as your circumstances allow, then count 28 days forward from the appointment date to find your earliest possible ceremony date.
What this means for you
- Book appointments early — availability, not the 28-day rule, is often the real bottleneck.
- If immigration referral could apply to either of you, plan for 70 days rather than 28.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- GOV.UK — Marriage and civil partnership referral and investigation scheme
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.