Your Questions Answered

I don’t live in Kent but can I get married here?

As long as you have lived for seven days in England or Wales and are not subject to immigration control you can marry at one of the many Approved venues available or you may wish to choose one of our Kent Register Offices.

However, if you are marrying in Kent but do not live in the area, you will need to give your Legal Preliminaries (Notice of Marriage) see below, in the area where you live and then collect what are known as ‘authorities’ (blue documents) from that office.  You will then need to hand them to the Register Office that is dealing with your marriage as early as possible before the date of your wedding.

I don't live in England or Wales can I get married here?

Possibly but in order to be eligible you will need to complete a full seven day residency within England or Wales. You will need to provide proof of this residency (i.e. hotel invoice, flight tickets etc).  On the eighth day of your residency you may give your Legal Preliminaries (Notice of Marriage) see below, to the local Register Office where you have been residing.

Please contact us on 08458 247400 for further advice.

If either or both parties are subject to immigration control you will need to follow the guidelines for Foreign Nationals, please contact us on 08458 247400 for advice.

Getting Married Abroad

If you are thinking of getting married abroad you must check with the authorities of the country you are getting married in as to what legal preliminaries are required of you.  This will vary from country to country and depend on your own nationality.  Some countries require you to give notice of marriage in this country, this is known as a certificate of no impediment. This may be obtained by giving legal preliminaries (notice of marriage) see below, to your local Register Office.

A marriage solemnised in accordance with the local law of a foreign country cannot be registered in this country.  If possible, you should register your marriage with the British Embassy / Consulate in the country in which you get married, at the time you get married.  This means that you can then obtain a copy of your marriage certificate in this country if you ever need one. It is always advisable to obtain more than one marriage certificate when being married abroad.

Whilst legally recognised, marriages abroad cannot be registered for British subjects in the UK. However it may be possible for the record of an overseas marriage to be lodged at the General Register Office.  See the General Register Office website www.gro.gov.uk for further details.

If you are in any doubt, please contact your local Register Office and they will advise you.

It is also possible to have a Renewal of Marriage Vows ceremony in Kent in addition to your marriage abroad – so your family and friends don’t miss out.  Please see the Renewal of Vows section of akentishceremony.com for more information.

Marrying in a Church of England or Church of Wales

If you wish to be married in a Church of England or Church of Wales, you should first speak to the Vicar.  You will generally only be able to do this if you or your partner live in the parish.  If the Vicar is able and willing to marry you, arrangements will be made for the Banns to be called on three Sundays before the day of your ceremony or for a common licence to be issued.  The Vicar will also register the marriage and there is generally no need to involve the local Register Office.  However, in certain circumstances the Vicar may ask you to give legal preliminaries (Notice of Marriage) see above at your local Register Office.

Marrying in other places of worship

If you wish to be married by religious ceremony, other than in a Church of England or Wales, you should first arrange to see the minister or other person in charge of marriages at the building.  However, the church or religious building in question must normally be in the registration district where you or your partner lives or be your usual place of worship.  It will also be necessary for both of you to give legal preliminaries (notice of marriage) see above at the register office in the district(s) where you live.  A registrar may also need to attend and register the ceremony.

How far in advance can I make a booking for a civil ceremony?

As far in advance as the venue allows.  Although your legal preliminaries cannot be given until one year before the ceremony.

What are “legal preliminaries of marriage” (notice of marriage)?

Each party to a civil marriage must attend at their local register office and give formal notice that they intend to be married.  This notice is put on public display for 15 days during which time anyone can object to the proposed marriage.  On the 16th day, and providing no valid objections have been received, the registrar will issue an authority for the marriage to take place.

Who can I have as witnesses?

You are required to provide two witnesses to sign the register.  They can be family or friends, or anyone of your choice, and preferably over 18 years of age. If you use an interpreter during the ceremony, that person must sign the register as one of your witnesses.

Will I have to change my name?

There is no legal requirement for either party to change their name, it is purely personal choice and traditional to do so.  If either person wishes to change their name upon marriage they should simply advise those organisations concerned, for example the bank or insurance company.  On the day of the marriage both parties must sign their usual signature regardless of any name change they wish to make in future.

Can people take photographs during the ceremony?

If you wish, photos and videos can be taken at any point before, during and after the ceremony provided that they do not interrupt the ceremony.  Please advise your photographer/videographer to speak to the celebrant on the day to agree where they should stand.

On the day of the ceremony

To make sure everything goes ahead on time and without any hitches, you and your guests will need to arrive at least 15 minutes before your ceremony is due to start.  Some venues may require you to arrive earlier than this.  Please remember to allow time for any traffic delays, parking limitations and pre-wedding photos to be taken.

The registrar will need to interview both the bride and groom prior to the ceremony to check the details to be entered in the marriage register.  You can be seen individually or together and if you’re getting ready at the venue this can be done in your room.

Can I welcome my guests with a drink prior to the ceremony?

Food and drink is not permitted in the ceremony room/area or the restricted area around the ceremony room/area, 1 hour prior to or during the ceremony.  A celebratory drink after the ceremony is permissible.

Re-registration of children

Upon the marriage of a child’s natural parents, the birth of that child may be re-registered as a result of the marriage. You will need to apply for a re-registration of the child’s birth under section 14 of the Births and Deaths Registration Act.  You can obtain a form (LA1) for this purpose from the Kent Registration Service.  The form needs to be completed and signed by both parents.  One or both parents can then attend the Register Office bringing the completed form, child’s birth certificate and the marriage certificate.  The birth will then be registered again in the presence of a registrar.  You can then purchase certified copies of the re-registered entry.

If you have any further questions regarding civil ceremonies in Kent please contact us on 08458 247400 or email kentish.ceremony@kent.gov.uk