Wedding Legal Checklist: Marriage Documents and Certificates
If you are getting married in England or Wales, there are several legal and administrative steps that need to be completed before and after the ceremony. Also check out our Post-Marriage Legal Checklist for all the essential and recommended legal steps you should take once you've tied the knot!
- Book your ceremony venue
Confirm where your marriage ceremony will take place. You will normally need the venue details before you formally give notice of your intention to marry.
- Give notice of marriage
Both parties must give formal notice of their intention to marry at the appropriate register office. Notice will normally need to be given at least 29 days before the wedding, and the ceremony must usually take place within 12 months of giving notice.
- Provide the required documents
You will need to provide original documents confirming your identity, address and eligibility to marry. These may include:
- Passport or birth certificate
- Proof of address
- Details of your wedding venue
- Evidence of any previous name changes
- Divorce documents if you have previously been married
- A former spouse's death certificate, where applicable
- Additional immigration documents where required
- Complete the legal marriage paperwork at your ceremony
As part of the ceremony, the required marriage documentation will be signed by the couple, witnesses and the appropriate person conducting or registering the marriage.
- Your marriage is officially registered
Following the ceremony, the completed marriage documentation is returned to the register office so that the marriage can be entered onto the official register.
- Obtain your marriage certificate
Once the marriage has been registered, you can obtain an official marriage certificate. This provides legal evidence of your marriage and may be needed when updating your personal details.
- Order additional certificate copies if needed
It can be useful to have more than one certified copy of your marriage certificate, particularly if you are changing your name or updating several organisations at the same time.
- Update your name and personal records if applicable
Changing your surname after marriage is optional. If you choose to change it, your marriage certificate can normally be used as evidence when updating organisations such as:
- DVLA
- HM Passport Office
- HMRC
- Banks and building societies
- Your employer
- Pension providers
- Insurance companies
- Mortgage providers or landlords
- Utility companies and council tax records
- Review your Will and other legal arrangements
Marriage can affect existing legal arrangements, particularly your Will. It is therefore sensible to review your Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney, property ownership, pension nominations, life insurance and beneficiary details after getting married.
In simple terms: give notice, provide your documents, complete the marriage ceremony and legal paperwork, obtain your marriage certificate, update your personal records and review your wider legal arrangements.
This information relates to marriage in England and Wales. Different procedures apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
