When should you give notice of marriage?
Give notice as soon as your ceremony details and documents are settled, working back at least 28 days from your wedding date but comfortably within the 12 months notice stays valid for. Most couples give notice a few months before the wedding, once the venue and date are confirmed.
Balancing two limits
Notice must be given at least 28 days before your ceremony, but it is only valid for 12 months from the day you give it. Giving notice too early risks it expiring before your wedding; giving it too late risks missing the minimum wait.
A sensible window
Many couples give notice around three to six months before their wedding, once the venue, date and documents are confirmed but with enough margin for appointment availability at busy register offices.
What needs to be settled first
Give notice only once you know your ceremony venue and date, since these details are recorded and changing them afterwards can mean giving notice again.
What this means for you
- Working backwards from your wedding date, plus a safety margin, is more reliable than picking an arbitrary time to give notice.
- If your date is more than a year away, wait before giving notice so it does not expire.
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.