What is the residency requirement for giving notice of marriage?
Before giving notice, you must have lived in the local authority district where you're applying for at least the seven full days immediately before your appointment. This applies individually to each partner, based on where each of you actually lives, not where you plan to marry.
What counts as the seven days
The requirement is seven full days of residence in the district immediately before your appointment date. If you've recently relocated, check carefully that the seven-day period has genuinely elapsed before booking.
What counts as your district
Your district is determined by your home address, verified with proof of address at the appointment. It has nothing to do with where you were born, hold citizenship, or plan to marry.
If you don't meet it yet
If you haven't lived in the area long enough, you'll need to wait until you have, or give notice in the district where you previously lived if that's still accurate, before moving on.
What this means for you
- A recent house move can delay your ability to give notice — plan your appointment date around the seven-day rule.
- This is checked with documentary proof, not taken on trust, so keep your proof of address current.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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