The Legal Side of “I Do”: Registrar Steps Before You Book

For many engaged couples, wedding planning unsurprisingly causes a lot of stress. But did you know that this is often tied to understanding the legal steps for marriage?

This guide aims to change that as we take you through key tasks every couple must complete in England and Wales. From choosing an approved venue to giving notice, we want to ensure nothing stands between you and your special day.

Whether you’re marrying at a country house like Hintlesham Hall or another approved setting, knowing when and how to book your wedding registrar is the first step towards saying “I do” with confidence.

Step 1 – Choose an Approved Venue (and check outdoor options)

Before you contact your local registration service, make sure your chosen venue is officially approved for civil ceremonies.

An approved premise means it has been licensed by the local authority for marriages or civil partnerships, ensuring your ceremony can be conducted legally.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, check whether the venue offers a linked outdoor area.

Since changes to the law in 2022, couples can now say their vows in outdoor spaces that are physically connected to an approved building, perfect for garden or courtyard settings.

Hintlesham Hall is an approved wedding venue in Suffolk, offering both elegant indoor rooms and stunning outdoor areas for licensed ceremonies.

Confirming your ceremony location early ensures your registrar can be booked for the
correct space.
 
Step 2 – Book Your Registrar and Ceremony Time

Once your venue is chosen, the next step is booking your wedding registrar.

Every approved venue is linked to a local registration district, and you’ll need to contact that service directly to secure a registrar for your chosen date and time.

Availability can be limited especially for weekends and summer dates so it’s always wise to book as soon as you’ve confirmed your venue. Your registrar must attend the ceremony to make your marriage legally binding.

For those marrying at Hintlesham Hall, registrar booking steps are handled through the Suffolk Registration Service. Their team can guide you through ceremony options, timings, and fees.

Step 3 – Give Notice of Marriage (at least 28 days)

“Giving notice” is one of the most essential UK wedding legal steps before your wedding. It means declaring your intent to marry and providing your details to the register office in the district where you live.

Both partners must give notice in person, and your notice will be publicly displayed for 28 days.

In certain cases involving immigration checks, this period may be extended to 70 days by the Home Office.

Once approved, your notice is valid for 12 months, meaning your ceremony must take place within that timeframe.

You’ll need to bring specific wedding documents UK, such as:

● A valid passport or birth certificate
● Proof of address (e.g. recent utility bill or bank statement)
● Divorce or death certificates if previously married
● Visa documentation if one partner is not a UK or Irish citizen

For a full list, visit the GOV.UK guide to giving notice.

Step 4 – Confirm Documents, Fees and Any Special Requirements

Before your big day, double-check that all paperwork and fees are in order.

Contact your local register office to confirm identification requirements, current fees, and whether any additional permissions or translations are needed.

If either of you has been married before, ensure your final divorce decree is presented in English (or accompanied by an official translation). Those from abroad should also check visa requirements, as certain conditions apply for non-UK residents.

A quick review of your paperwork now will prevent stress later and keep your wedding registrar process smooth and compliant.

Step 5 – Final Checks with Your Venue and Registrar

As your date approaches, schedule a final run-through with both your venue and registrar. Confirm:

● The ceremony script, readings, and music (civil ceremonies must remain non-
religious)
● Witness names (you’ll need two adults present)
● The ceremony area, including any wet-weather alternatives if outdoors
● Arrival timings for both you and your guests

These small details ensure your registrar and venue teams are aligned, giving you peace of mind on the day.

Local Example – Getting Married at Hintlesham Hall

Set in the Suffolk countryside, Hintlesham Hall is a Georgian manor house licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions.
 
Couples marrying here work directly with the Suffolk Registration Service to book their registrar, while the Hall’s wedding team helps arrange every other detail from ceremony styling to accommodation for guests. By managing your legal steps early, you’ll enjoy the planning journey and a wedding day that feels personal to you.