Fees and giving your notice of marriage

You can find out all about the fees we charge, how and when to pay them by watching our 'how to' guide below.

Fees are payable for:

• Notice of Marriage
• Attendance of registration staff at the ceremony (including a non-refundable booking confirmation fee to guarantee your chosen date and time)
• A rehearsal or pre-marriage meeting (optional)
• Marriage certificate(s).
  

Check our full schedule of fees.

Legal Preliminaries (Notice of Marriage)

The bride and groom are both legally required to give a Notice of Marriage, in person, to the Superintendent Registrar. If they live in Kent, they will need to telephone their local ceremonies team to make an appointment. If they live outside of Kent they will need to contact their local register office. They may attend together or individually whichever is more convenient. The Superintendent Registrar will advise them of what fees and documents to bring with them.

Appointments can be made Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm. The statutory fee in England and Wales to give notice is currently £35 per person (from April 2012).

When the two notices of marriage have been given, the bride and groom must wait 15 clear days before the marriage can take place. The marriage must take place within one year of the date of the first notice.

For example, two Notices of Marriage given by a bride and groom on 1 June 2012 mean that the couple could be married on or after 17 June 2012 – and until 1 June 2013.

Documents required will include:

• Passports or birth certificates
• Divorce decree absolute (if previously married)
• Dissolution order (if previously in a civil partnership)
• Certificates or other documentation to confirm marital and civil partnership status, residence, nationality and names.

Other documents may also be required but this will depend upon personal circumstances. Registration staff will always be pleased to provide help and assistance. All ceremonies are subject to availability.

Before booking your ceremony, please ensure you have read our terms and conditions. If you are unsure about any of these issues or would like further advice please contact your local ceremonies team.

For more information visit our Kentish ceremonies website.