Giving notice of intention

Giving notice of intention to marry or form a civil partnership

What is giving notice?

You must sign a legal statement at your local register office to say you intend to get married or form a civil partnership. This is called giving notice.

  • you must give notice at least 29 days before your ceremony
  • your ceremony must take place within 12 months of giving notice

Check if you need to give notice

Use our online form to check if and where you will need to give notice

Notice of intention online checker

How do I make an appointment?

You must book an appointment to give notice. You can do this with our online form. 

Make an appointment

About the appointment

The register office is in the main reception of the civic centre.

If you are late for your appointment, we may not be able to go ahead, and your appointment will be re-arranged.

If you have difficulty understanding English, please bring someone with you to help. They do not have to be a professional; they can be a friend or family member.

Only adults who need to attend the appointment should come to the register office. No other adults will be admitted into the appointment. We request that, where possible, you do not bring children to your appointment.

What documents do I need?

Giving notice is a legal process and specific documents must be provided. If you don’t bring the correct documents, your appointment cannot go ahead.

Use our document checker to find out what you need to bring:

Document checker

How much does it cost?

Please visit our ceremony fees page for more information.