Book a notice of marriage

Giving notice means making a declaration that you’re both free to marry and fulfil other requirements prescribed by law.

You need to ensure that you have given notice at least 28 days before the date.

What you need to book

If you’re giving notice for a venue in the Sheffield district, you’ll need to have your booking ID ready (this will have been in the email sent to you when booking the venue). Please contact us if you don’t have this.

If you’re booking a notice for a venue outside the Sheffield district, you don’t require a booking ID.

When notice of marriage can be given

The earliest date the notice of marriage can be given is 12 months before the marriage ceremony. We recommend a notice of marriage should be done between 3 to 6 months before your ceremony.

Requirements to give your notice of marriage

Both must be over the age of 18.

If both of you are British, Irish or you have European Union Settlement Scheme status (settled, pre-settled and you have applied for the status before 30 June 2021), you each need to give your notice of marriage in the borough or district you're residing in. This is provided you have lived there for at least 8 days.

If you’re not British, Irish and do not have European Union Settlement Scheme status (settled, pre-settled and you have applied for the status before 30 June 2021) you must attend the notice of marriage appointment together. This is either in the district you both live or in either district (whichever is most convenient) if you live in different towns.

You have to know where your marriage will take place.

When your marriage must take place

The date of your marriage formation must be between 29 calendar days and 1 year of your appointment.

GOV.UK: Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales provides further information for notice of marriage.

Fees

There is a fee to give your notice of marriage (additional fees may be incurred dependant on your choices).

• Monday to Friday – £42 each (for standard appointments)
• Monday to Friday – £57 each (for those who are not British, Irish and do not have European Union Settlement Scheme status – settled, pre-settled and you have applied for the status before 30 June 2021)
• Saturday (limited availability) – £60 each (for standard appointments only)
• Local foreign divorce for clearance – £55
• Referral to General Registration Office for clearance – £83

Any fees are payable when you book your appointment and will be calculated on the choices you make.

If you are unsure which fee applies to you, please contact ceremoniesteam@sheffield.gov.uk for clarification.

Proof of name, address, marital status and nationality

You will need to bring:

• a valid passport for proof of your name, age and nationality
• either your driving licence, a utility bill dated within the last 3 months, or a bank statement dated within a month for proof of your address that includes either your full name or at least your initials
• proof that a previous marriage or civil partnership has ended – decree absolute of divorce / dissolution
• death certificate of former husband, wife or civil partner

We must be able to link the document to you. A Decree NISI of Divorce or dissolution is not acceptable. If the document is in another language, we will need an English translation.

Change of name

If you have changed your name by deed poll or statutory declaration, you'll need to provide those documents.

You can bring someone to help you translate. Partners cannot interpret for each other. If you require an interpreter, please contact the registrars on ceremoniesteam@sheffield.gov.uk to arrange an interpreter for the appointment, providing date and time of the appointment of the notice of marriage.

Appointment

If you don't attend with the correct documents, or without an interpreter when one is needed, you may not be able to give your notice of marriage, and you'll need to rebook.

Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your appointment. If you arrive late, you may need to rebook.

If you need to reschedule the appointment, please follow the instructions given on the confirmation email you will receive once the appointment is booked.