Legal requirements
Before you can get married there are a number of legal requirements that must be satisfied. By law you have to give a notice of marriage which is a formal declaration of your intention to marry. The notice is a legal statement signed by you. A friend or relative cannot do this on your behalf.
Giving notice of marriage
You are both required to give your notice of marriage to the Register Office in the district where you live. You must have lived in the district at least seven days before giving notice. There is a standard fee payable for this.
The marriage ceremony can take place at any Register Office within England and Wales but if you were to change the venue as stated in your notice, it would be necessary to give and pay for fresh notices.
If you live in a different district to where the marriage will take place, you will need to apply for and collect the authority for your marriage to take place. This will be issued 16 days after you have given notice.
Your marriage cannot go ahead unless the legal formalities have been completed.
How much notice is required
You cannot give a Notice of Marriage more than 12 months before the date of the wedding. A marriage cannot take place until 16 days after you have given the notice.
Provisional bookings
If you wish to book a wedding more than 12 months in advance at Salford Register Office, we offer a provisional booking service to allow you to secure your date and time. Please contact the Register Office on 0161 909 6501 to make an appointment.
Fees
- Notice of Marriage: £33.50 per person.
- Wedding at a Register Office: £43.50 (including marriage certificate).
Appointments
It will be necessary to make an appointment to give your notice of marriage at Salford Register Office - call 0161 909 6501 or email birthsanddeaths1@salford.gov.uk to arrange an appointment.
You should make every effort to attend together if you both live in the Salford area, but if this is inconvenient you may come in separately.
This page was last updated on 30 March 2010
