Legal guides

How to get married, country by country

The paperwork, notice periods and registration steps for getting legally married, in order and with timings, checked against official government sources. Choose where you're marrying.

Getting married in IrelandCivil registration runs through the HSE, with notice given in person at least three months ahead.7 steps Getting married in England and WalesNotice goes to your local register office, and the rules differ for religious, civil and approved-venue weddings.7 steps Getting married in ScotlandScotland has its own marriage law: a notice to the registrar, then a marriage schedule signed at the ceremony.8 steps Getting married in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland has its own process: notice to your district registrar, then a marriage schedule.8 steps Getting married in the United StatesMarriage law is set by each state, and the licence comes from your county clerk.8 steps Getting married in CanadaEach province issues its own marriage licence, and Quebec uses a different process.8 steps Getting married in AustraliaA federal law applies everywhere: a Notice of Intended Marriage and an authorised celebrant.8 steps Getting married in New ZealandYou apply for a marriage licence from Births, Deaths and Marriages and marry with a registered celebrant.7 steps