What happens at a notice of marriage appointment?
At your notice appointment, a registrar checks your identity and residency documents, asks about your and your partner's details and the planned ceremony, and records a formal declaration that you intend to marry. It typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, though this varies by council, and you attend without your partner.
Before you're seen
You'll usually be asked to arrive with your documents ready, since the registrar needs to see originals before the interview starts. Some councils ask you to complete a form in advance online or by post.
The interview
The registrar checks your identity, address and, if relevant, evidence your previous marriage has ended. You'll confirm details about your partner, the proposed ceremony type, date and venue, and declare that you know of no lawful reason you cannot marry.
After the appointment
Your notice is displayed publicly for the statutory period and your notice period begins from that day. You'll be told when your authority to marry becomes available, which you or your venue may later need to collect or confirm.
What this means for you
- Your partner does not need to be present at your appointment — you each attend separately.
- Details you give about the venue and date are recorded, so confirm them before your appointment rather than guessing.
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.