Getting married

• About this service
• Who can use it?
• How do I use it?
• What happens next?
• What is covered?
• How long does it take?
• How much does it cost?
• Where is it?

About this service

Who can use it?

How quickly can I get married?

In most cases you must give at least fifteen clear days notice before you can get married.
Details of  'special procedures', which exist for people in extreme circumstances can be obtained by clicking on the external link to the General Register Office Website or contacting your local Register Office.

What documents do I need to give notice?

Everyone must provide evidence of their name, age, nationality and address.
A current Passport or Full Birth Certificate is essential.  If you were born after 1982 and do not have a current passport, you will also need to bring your mother's birth certificate to prove British nationality.
One other form of identification showing your name and current address is also required, eg a recent bank statement or utility bill
If you have changed your name for reasons other than marriage you will need to bring along documentary evidence of the name change.

If you have been married before or have previously formed a Civil Partnership you will need to provide evidence that you are now legally free to form a marriage or Civil Partnership.
types of evidence available could include:
A divorce decree absolute (copies of these can be obtained by contacting the court where the divorce proceedings took place).
Final order of dissolution of a Civil Partnership
Death certificate from a former wife, husband or civil partner. (if you are not the 'informant' on the death certificate, you will also need to bring the marriage or civil partnership certificate)

Please note that all documents provided must be originals.
Any documents which are not in english will need to be supplied with a translation.
In some instances it may be necessary for the General Register Office to approve the validity of the documents. Please contact your local office if you have any questions.

How do I use it?

The key steps you need to take to book your ceremony are outlined below.

 
Step 1
Decide on your venue and arrange the date and time for your ceremony with them.  It is a legal requirement that marriages are conducted between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.  Click on the 'Approved Premises' or 'Contacts'  link for venue information and office contact details.

Step 2
Contact the Register Office for the District in which the venue is situated to check the availability of the Registrars.  You can only make a provisional booking at this point, which will be confirmed when you 'give notice'. Full location and contact details for each office are available by clicking on the 'Contacts' link on this page.

Step 3
Both you and your partner need to contact the Register Office for the District in which you live to arrange an appointment to 'Give Notice'. Somerset is now a 'unified district, which means that if you live in Somerset you can give notice in any Registration Office in Somerset.   If you and your partner live in different districts you will each need to go separately to your local Register Office.  If you live in the same District you will usually be asked to attend together

What happens next?

In most cases you will need to make an appointment to 'Give Notice' at your local Register Office and attend with your partner (if you both live in the same District). 

Notice cannot be given more than 12 months before the ceremony and you should have lived in the District for at least 7 days prior to giving notice. 

If you are not a member of an EEA country and subject to immigration control please contact your local Register Office for further advice.

What is covered?

You will be offered a private appointment with the Registration Officer and asked for details of the time, date and venue of the ceremony as well as your name, age, nationalty, address, occupation and marital status along with proof as necessary.

These details are then put on public display at the Somerset Register Office in Taunton for 15 days, after which the 'Authority for Marriage' may be issued.  If your wedding is taking place in a different District to which you live, you will need to male arrangements for the 'authority' to be forwarded to the Registrar or Minister conducting your ceremony as soon as possible.

Details of  'special procedures' which exist for people in extreme circumstances can be obtained by clicking on the external link to the General Register Office Website or contacting your local Register Office.

How long does it take?

How much does it cost?

Giving Notice of Marriage: £35.00 each.

Marriage Ceremony:

At a Register Office -
Marriage Ceremony including certificate: £49.00

At The Old Municipal Buildings -

Vivary Room seats up to 40 people £150.00

Tudor Hall seats up to 100 people £300.00

At an Approved Premises -
Marriage Ceremony including certificate*
Monday - Friday: £320
Saturday/Sunday and Bank Holiday: £370

*Please note this fee is for the attendance of the Registrar. Further fees will be payable to the venue for room hire etc, which you will need to discuss directly with the venue.

Where is it?

You can have a Marriage Ceremony at any Approved Premises See Information and resources.

Or you can hold it at a Register Office. Please see "Information and Resources" section above and the "Contacts" tab for contact details.