Written by
Bella Jolly
Brand Lead
With 10 years' experience working in brand and content for some of the UK's biggest hospitality brands under her belt, Bella takes ownership of the Togather brand. Bella's passion for the events industry shines through in her work, ensuring the stories of amazing suppliers and unforgettable events are effectively communicated through various mediums such as video, photo and the written word.
Outside of work, she can be found scrolling TikTok or enjoying a spicy margarita.
Published on Fri 27 December 2024
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married Officially in the UK
Getting married officially is a milestone many couples dream about. According to Statista, the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was above £20,000. Our own enquiry data showing average prices for venue hire, catering, photography and more also supports this and whilst we have written extensively about the cost of weddings, this article is focused on the core expenses involved in legally tying the knot in the UK—no frills, no extravagances, just the essential costs. Whether you're planning a simple ceremony or adding a few personal touches, knowing the basics can help you plan a wedding that suits your style and budget.
In this blog we’ll look to cover some of the key questions and considerations you’ll have if you’re simply looking to explore the cost of an official and recognised marriage. From the cost itself to the documentation required, witnesses you need and the notice you must give, by the end of this article we hope to provide you with everything you need and we’ll throw in some interesting celebrity registry weddings along the way.
First of all, costs:
1. Registry Office Wedding Costs
The most affordable and straightforward option for getting married in the UK is a registry office ceremony. These civil ceremonies are hosted at local council buildings and offer an accessible alternative to religious or private venue weddings.
Notice of Marriage: Before any ceremony can take place, couples must give notice at their local registry office. This costs £35 per person (£70 per couple) in England and Wales. For certain circumstances, such as immigration status checks, fees can rise to £47 per person.
Ceremony Fee: The cost of a basic weekday ceremony at the registry office starts from £57 in England and Wales. Weekend and premium slots may incur higher charges, typically ranging between £75 and £120 depending on location.
Certificates: Once married, you’ll need an official marriage certificate, costing around £11 per copy. It’s wise to order additional copies for use in legal or administrative processes.
Broken down simply:
Notice of Marriage: £35 per person (£70 per couple).
Weekday Ceremony Fee: From £57.
Weekend/Premium Ceremony Fee: £75 to £120 (depending on location).
Marriage Certificate: £11 per copy.
2. Approved Venue Ceremonies
Many couples opt for a ceremony at an approved venue, such as a historic building, botanical garden, or event space. These venues are licensed to host civil ceremonies, offering flexibility in choosing a location that reflects your personal taste.
Registrar Fees: A registrar must conduct the ceremony, with fees starting at £200 and varying by local council and day of the week.
Venue Costs: Renting the space itself can add a significant expense. On average, fees for approved venues range from £500 to £2,000, depending on size, location, and exclusivity.
3. Church and Religious Weddings
Religious ceremonies are steeped in tradition, and their associated costs can differ depending on the denomination.
Church of England: For example, the Church of England charges a statutory fee of £560 for a wedding held in your local parish. Additional costs may apply for optional services, such as organists, bell ringers, or flowers.
Other Faiths: Weddings at other places of worship may also require officiant fees and venue hire charges, often ranging from £500 to £2,000.
Having covered the cost of the three main routes to officially getting married, there are further costs that you may encounter depending on your circumstances.
Additional Legal Considerations
The first consideration here will be if any partner is a non-UK citizen. In this scenario you’ll need to consider additional steps. Legal clearance for immigration compliance costs £47 per person during the notice of marriage process.
In short, the steps you’ll need to follow include:
Giving notice to a registry office. There are specific offices authorised to handle immigration-related marriage notices.
Both partners must have lived in the UK for at least 7 days prior to giving notice.
In some circumstances, the case may be referred to the home office but for further information we recommend visiting the government website
In some circumstances you may need to consider special licenses as an additional fee. A special license is a legal document issued by the Archbishop of Canterbury or a designated ecclesiastical authority under the Church of England. It allows a marriage to take place:
Outside the normal 28-day notice period: This can be useful in cases of urgency, such as medical reasons or other exceptional circumstances.
In a location not licensed for marriage ceremonies: For example, a couple might want to marry in a private home, a specific outdoor location, or another venue that is not officially approved for weddings.
Special licenses are designed to accommodate exceptional situations, providing flexibility to couples who cannot adhere to standard wedding procedures. They’re a valuable option for those who want to create a unique wedding experience or face urgent circumstances.
For couples wishing to marry quickly or outside traditional parameters, special licenses are available at an added cost of approximately £200.
If you’re considering exploring the options above we hope we’ve given you a clear sense of cost and the things you’ll need to bear in mind. Given you’ll likely (or hopefully) only go through this experience once in your life we’ve also covered off some of the frequently asked questions of our customers going through the process.
Registry & Civil Ceremony FAQs
1. What is a registry office wedding?
A registry office wedding is a civil ceremony conducted by a registrar at a local council building. It’s a straightforward and affordable way to get legally married without the need for a religious service or large venue.
2. How do I book a registry office wedding?
Contact your local registry office to check availability.
Book an appointment to give Notice of Marriage at least 28 days before the ceremony.
Confirm your ceremony date and pay any required fees.
3. Can I personalize a registry office ceremony?
Yes, but options are limited:
You can usually include personal vows, readings, or music (subject to approval, as content must be non-religious).
Decorations may be possible but are typically minimal due to space and time constraints.
4. How many guests can attend a registry office wedding?
Guest numbers depend on the size of the room at your chosen registry office. Many accommodate 10 to 50 guests, but it’s best to confirm capacity when booking.
5. Do I need to bring witnesses?
Yes, you need to bring at least two witnesses to the ceremony. Witnesses must be over 18 and fluent enough in English to understand the proceedings.
6. Can I get married at any registry office?
Not automatically. You must give Notice of Marriage in the district where you live. However, after notice is given, you can marry at a registry office in another district if preferred.
7. How long does the ceremony take?
Most registry office ceremonies last about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on whether personal touches like vows or readings are included.
8. What documents do I need to get married at a registry office?
Proof of identity: Passport or birth certificate.
Proof of address: Utility bill, council tax statement, or tenancy agreement.
Proof of eligibility to marry: Divorce decree, death certificate of a former spouse (if applicable).
9. Can I reschedule or cancel my registry office wedding?
You can reschedule, but additional fees may apply depending on how close it is to the wedding date.
Cancellations may incur a partial or full loss of fees already paid, so check the office’s policy.
10. Are registry office weddings recognized internationally?
Yes, registry office weddings are legally binding and recognized in most countries. You may need an apostille certificate if required by the destination country.
Famous Civil Ceremony Weddings
1. John Lennon and Yoko Ono
The iconic couple from The Beatles and the avant-garde art world married at Gibraltar’s registry office in 1969.
Lennon referred to the ceremony as simple and hassle-free, reflecting their desire for an intimate moment away from the public eye.
2. Judy Garland and Micky Deans
Judy Garland married Mickey Deans at Chelsea Registry Office, London in 1969 just months before she died
3. Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell
You may have seen in 2024 that Marleybone town hall hosted £100 ceremonies to 100 couples. Well this venue played host to many famous weddings including that of Paul McCartney, Cilla Black and Ringo Starr.
Like Lennon, another Beatles legend, Paul McCartney, chose a registry office for his wedding to Nancy Shevell in 2011.
The couple married at Old Marylebone Town Hall, a venue with a reputation for hosting famous weddings.