Giving Notice of Marriage
For all weddings (except Church of England weddings), each of the parties to a marriage must give notice personally of their intention to marry. The Notice of Marriage is a legal statement which you must sign. You cannot ask a friend or relative to do this for you.
Why do we have to give Notice of Marriage?
A Superintendent Registrar and Registrar, or an Authorised Person, need to be present at all marriages, except those at a church belonging to the Church of England. It is therefore important that you make sure the Registrars are available before you confirm any other arrangements.
How do we give Notice of Marriage?
You must both give notice at the Register Office in the Registration District where you have lived for the eight days immediately prior to giving the notice, regardless of where you intend to marry.
If you live in Liverpool, the Register Office is at the Cotton Exchange, Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9UF.
How much does it cost to give Notice of Marriage?
The fee for each notice is £30, payable to the Superintendent Registrar at the time of giving the Notice of Marriage.
Do we need to make an appointment?
Yes, to make an appointment, or for any other advice on marriage, you should telephone the Register Office directly on 0151 233 4978.
What information do we have to give to the Register Office?
When you give Notice of Marriage, you will need to give proof of:
- your name
- your age
- your nationality
- confirmation of your address
Current and valid passports or Birth certificates are ideal for the first three points. If you were born in 1983 or later, and do not have a current passport, you must produce a full birth certificate showing the names and place of birth of your parents. In addition to the full birth certificate you will also be asked to provide evidence of your parents nationalities
For confirmation of your address we need, for example, a utility bill or bank statement in your name, with your current address, dated within the previous six months. A current driving licence is also acceptable.
In addition:
If either of you has been married before, either in this country or abroad, you need to show formal and original documentary proof that you are free to marry. Photocopies of divorce documents are not acceptable.
If you have been divorced in England or Wales we need to see a court stamped copy of the decree absolute.
If you have been divorced in a foreign country we need to see the original documents issued by that country. If those documents are in a foreign language we need to see an English translation. If the other country has issued no documents we will tell you what we can accept as proof of a divorce.
If either of you is widowed we need to see a certified copy of your late partner's death certificate.
If you have already married each other in a foreign country, you only need to marry here if you think that the previous marriage was not legal.
If either of you is under 18 years of age we need see proof that your parents or guardian agree to the marriage. If your parents are divorced we may also need to see the court order that gives custody to one of them. The Superintendent Registrar will advise you when you make your appointment when you attend the office.
What happens once we have given Notice of Marriage?
The Superintendent Registrar will issue a 'Marriage Authority' 15 clear days after both parties have given a Notice of Marriage. You must then give the 'Marriage Authority' to the Superintendent Registrar of the district where the marriage is to take place or to the authorised person of the church where you wish to marry. The marriage authority is only valid for twelve months from the date on which you give Notice.
Getting married if you are ill
If you are not able to attend a church or Register Office because of long term or serious illness, you can be married at home or in hospital. The Registrars will be pleased to explain and advise further.