Religious ceremonies:

If you wish to be married in the Church of England or Church in Wales – and generally you will be able to do so only if you or the other party live in the parish - you should first speak to the vicar. If he agrees to marry you he will arrange for the Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common licence to be issued. There is usually no need to involve the local superintendent registrar. For more information, see www.cofe.anglican.org

A civil marriage:

The law regarding civil marriage ceremonies in England and Wales changed in 1994 with the Marriage Act, which allowed for venues to become 'approved' - licensed for civil ceremonies. The licences are granted by the local register office and last for three years. However, each region's interpretation of this law, and the fee they charge for the ceremony held at such premises, varies considerably. What is clear is that licensed premises must be permanent, with a roof. This means no 'open air' venues (garden gazebos have been allowed) and no boats, trains, etc, that are not permanently fixed to land.

The most recent development relating to civil marriages in England and Wales is the proposal of licensed 'celebrants' who may perform the civil ceremony (and other ceremonies such as baby naming ceremonies), but are not Registrars as such. It is thought that legislation regarding this will not be in place until at least the end of 2006. These celebrants (appointed by local authorities) will be permitted to perform ceremonies in places other than currently 'approved, licensed' venues,although ceremony venues will still have to meet the approval of the celebrant. It should mean that outdoor and home weddings will at last be possible in England and Wales.

Giving notice:  It is a legal requirement to give notice of marriage and, once given, your notices of marriage are displayed on the notice board at the register office for a period of fifteen days. A legal document covered by the Perjury Act 1911, a notice of marriage states the names of the people to be married, age, marital status, address, occupation, nationality and the intended venue for the marriage. After giving notice you must then wait a further sixteen days before the marriage can take place - for example, if notice is given on 1 July, the ceremony can take place on or after 17 July. Once given, your notice is valid for 12 months. Registration officers have a statutory duty to report any marriage they suspect has been arranged for the sole purpose of evading statutory immigration controls. Please note: the minimum legal age for getting married in England and Wales is 16 years of age but written consent may be required for anyone under 18.

Where you can marry:

A civil marriage ceremony can take place in any register office in England or Wales, or at any venue that has been approved to hold a civil marriage. Such Approved Premises include stately homes and other prestigious buildings, hotels and restaurants. Use Noble's Wedding Venues Search page to find great venues.

How much does it cost to get married?

Cost of giving notice in advance of a ceremony either at a register office, or Approved Premises or in a religious building other than in the Church of England or Church in Wales: £30.00 per person

Cost of register office ceremony: £34.00

Cost of a ceremony on Approved Premises - The cost for attendance by the superintendent registrar and registrar is set by the local authority in question. A further charge is likely to bemade by the owners of the building for the use of the premises.

Cost of religious ceremony in the Church of England or Church in Wales – check fees with the vicar of the church in which you are planning to marry.

Cost of religious ceremony at a building other than Church of England or Church in Wales - Unless the building has an Authorised Person, there will be a £40.00 fee for the Registrar and there may be further fees charged by the trustees of the building and the person who performs the ceremony.

Cost of marriage certificate: £3.50 You can order further copies of your marriage certificate any time in the future, either via a register office, in person, by post, by fax or online.

Further Information: Check out the General Register office web site on - www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/marriages/