Notice of Marriage and Civil Partnership
Both couples will be required to attend in person to give individual notice, if:
- You both reside in Buckinghamshire then you can attend one of the Buckinghamshire offices.
- You reside in separate registration districts, each partner will be required to give notice in the district in which they live.
- If one or both partners are not British / EEA nationals you must both attend a Designated Register Office (full list at gov.uk).
Giving notice means declaring that you are both free to enter into marriage or civil partnership with each other. To do this you will be required to present certain documents at your appointment.
Booking your appointment
You may give notice up to one year in advance of your ceremony. You are required to make an appointment with your local Registration Office.
Before you call us you will need to have chosen and booked where you wish your ceremony to take place. If you have chosen a venue you should speak with them first to ensure it is available on the desired date before you contact us. If you wish to have your ceremony in one of our Registration Offices then we will book this with you when you call.
If you live in Buckinghamshire you can do this online.
Documents you need to provide
You will need to present valid ID documents at your notice appointment. These must be original documents and not photocopies.
Proof of identity
For British citizens only you need to show:
- Valid UK passport
If you do not have a valid UK passport, you need to show:
- Full British birth certificate
- One other form of ID such as driving licence showing your current name
If you are a British national born on or after 1st January 1983 and don’t have a British passport, you will need evidence of one of your parent’s British nationality at the time of your birth, such as their full birth certificate or British passport. If your parents were not married at the time of your birth this evidence must be from your mother. If your mother was also born after 1st January 1983 then this evidence must come from your grandparent (please call us for further advice on 01494 475092 if necessary).
If you are a non-British citizen you need to show one of the following:
- Valid EEA passport
- Valid national identity card issued by an EEA state or Switzerland
- Valid travel document issued by the Home Office
Proof of address
Each partner will need to show one of the following documents in their current name:
- Utility bill - not older than three months
- Bank/Building Society statement - not older than one month (online statements showing address are acceptable but must be printed)
- Most recent Council Tax bill
- Valid UK driving licence with current name and address
- Current mortgage or tenancy agreement (not more than one year old)
- A letter signed by the proprietor who is able to confirm place and period of residence and proof that the person lives there
Marital status
If you have been married or have entered into a civil partnership before, you must show evidence that the relationship is legally over.
This is usually in the form of:
- A death certificate for your late spouse/partner. Marriage or civil partnership certificate may also be required to link your names.
- Original decree absolute or dissolution with court stamp. English translation if applicable
Change of name
If you've changed your name you need to show us evidence of the change such as:
- A Deed Poll or a Change of Name Deed
If you live outside Buckinghamshire and would like details of your local office, you can find them online or via your local Council.
In Buckinghamshire, a booking fee will be charged for your notice appointment. This will convert to the notice fee when you attend your appointment.
To give notice, you and your partner must have lived in Buckinghamshire for seven full days immediately before you give notice. After giving notice, you must allow for at least 28 clear days before you can enter into marriage or civil partnership. This may be longer if you have foreign documentation.
If you are under 18, you will need the consent of your parent or guardian.