Sample plan

See what your £29 plan looks like

This is an illustrative example, not a real couple and not legal advice. Your own plan is built from your answers, and the figures and links in it are the ones that apply to your districts.

The seven stages, in order

1. 01

   Confirm you're both free to marry

   Both 18 or over, not already married or in a civil partnership. Alex's previous marriage ended in 2023, so the original final order is needed.

   Passport · Proof of address dated within 3 months · Original final order

2. 02

   Fix your route and setting

   A civil ceremony at the register office. Registrar availability drives the date, so this is settled before notice.

   Nothing to bring — a decision, not an appointment

3. 03

   Book your notice appointments

   Alex gives notice in St Albans, Sam in Hertford, because you each give notice where you live.

   Two separate bookings, one per district

4. 04

   Give notice — by 18 September

   In person, with your documents. Indicative statutory fee £42 per person at the time of checking.

   Passport · Proof of address · Final order

5. 05

   Statutory waiting period — 28 days

   You cannot marry before this has run. Your earliest legal date is 16 October 2026.

   Nothing to do — this stage just runs

6. 06

   Your ceremony — 24 October 2026

   Two witnesses, both over 16, who understand the ceremony. Arrive 15 minutes early for the pre-ceremony interview.

   Two witnesses · Ceremony fee paid in advance

7. 07

   Your marriage certificate

   Issued by the register office on the day or ordered afterwards. You'll need it for name changes.

   Indicative certificate fee £12.50

Fees shown are illustrative figures for an example plan and are not a quotation. Statutory fees are set by your council and are paid to them, not to Simply Married. Always confirm current fees with your register office and on GOV.UK.