Why is a Notice of Marriage Needed?

A Superintendent Registrar and Registrar, or an Approved Person, must be present at all marriages (except those at a church belonging to the Church of England or the Church in Wales).  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 give notice at the Register Office in the Registration District where you have lived for seven days immediately prior to giving the notice, regardless of where you intend to marry.

If you both live in the same Registration District it is helpful for both of you to be present when the Notice is given.

If you live in Monmouthshire, the Register Office is at Coed Glas, Coed-Glas Lane Monmouthshire, NP7 5LE.

If you are not a British citizen, a national of a country in the European Economic Area(EEA) or do not have a certificate of entitlement giving you right of abode in the UK you are subject to immigration control and must give notice in a Designated Register Office.  Further information is available from the Superintendent Registrar Tel: 01873 735435.

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 01873 735435.

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
· Proof of residency

Current and valid passports (or Birth Certificates with some other form of identification) are ideal for this.

A current council tax bill or bank statement are examples of evidence that your live at the address you give to the Superintendent Registrar. 

If either of you has been married before, either in this country or abroad, you will 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 will need to see a court stamped copy of the decree absolute.  Photocopies are not acceptable.

If you have been divorced in a foreign country, we will need to see the original documents issued by that country.  If those documents are in a foreign language, we will 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 will need to see a certified copy of your late partner’s death certificate.  Photocopies are not acceptable.

If you have already married each other in a foreign country, you will 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 will need to 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.

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.

The Marriage Authority is only valid for twelve months from the date on which you give Notice.