Simply MarriedEngland & Wales

What happens after you give notice of marriage?

After your appointment, your notice is entered and displayed publicly, usually electronically, for at least 28 days, during which anyone with a lawful objection can raise it. Once the notice period passes without objection, you're issued with authority to marry, which your ceremony relies on.

Public display of notice

Your name, your partner's name, and the proposed marriage details are held on a public record for the statutory notice period. This is a longstanding legal safeguard, not a data-protection oversight, and it applies to everyone regardless of how public or private their wedding will be.

The information displayed is limited to what's needed for the legal purpose — it's not the same as a full public announcement of your relationship.

The waiting period

Nothing further is required from you during this time unless something changes, such as a venue or date amendment, which can require giving fresh notice. The clock runs from the day you gave notice, not from when both partners have given theirs.

Authority to marry

Once the notice period ends without objection, you become entitled to marry. For civil ceremonies this is usually built into the register office's own paperwork; for other ceremonies, your officiant or venue may need confirmation that your notice period has completed before the day.

What this means for you

  • Your notice being public is a legal requirement, not something you can opt out of.
  • Nothing is issued to you automatically the day the notice period ends — check what your venue or officiant needs from you.
  • Changing details recorded on your notice can restart the process, so keep plans settled once notice is given.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026

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Related questions

Related guides

What is the marriage notice period?The notice period is the minimum wait between giving notice and marrying — usually 28 days, sometimes longer. Here's how it works.How long does giving notice of marriage take?How long the notice appointment itself takes, and how long the statutory notice period lasts before you can legally marry.The 28-day marriage notice periodHow the 28-day notice period works, when it becomes 70 days, and how it interacts with appointment waiting times.

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.