Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed below some of the most frequently asked questions about giving a notice of intention to marry and hope that you find them helpful.
Is a minimum residency period required before I can give my notice?
Yes, the minimum period of residency is 7 days. When you sign your legal notice of intention to marry, you must be able to confirm that you have resided in the Superintendent’s registration district for at least the last 7 days.
Is the City of Leicester Register Office the correct office for me to attend?
If you live in the City of Leicester, this is the correct office for you to attend. If you are unsure whether your address falls within the City boundary or you wish to know which office to attend, you can telephone this office to find out. You can also find out where your local register office is by using the General Register Office website www.gro.gov.uk. This site has an easy search facility to locate your local office and provides detailed information including the address and telephone number.
What fee will I need to pay to give my notice?
There will be a statutory fee to pay to the Superintendent Registrar on the day that you give your notice. This fee is currently £30
Do we both have to give notice?
Yes, each person is required to give their own notice.
Will we need to make an appointment?
Yes, you will need to make an appointment. The telephone number for this office is 0845-045-0901 (option 3) Monday – Friday 8.30a.m. to 4.45p.m.
What do I do if I am subject to immigration control and wish to get married?
We are an office designated by the Home Office to deal with your enquiry and take your legal notice of intention to marry. As we would like to give you the best advice possible and we may need to ask some questions in order to achieve this, it would be better if you either called in to see us or telephoned our enquiries team. Please do not feel that you have to travel a long distance just to make your initial enquiries with us.
There are 76 offices that have been designated by the Home Office and we would be able to refer you to your nearest office if it is more convenient for you. Click here for a list.
When I give my notice, will you need to see my documents?
Yes, you will need to show the Superintendent Registrar documentary evidence of your:
· Name e.g. Birth certificate and/ or passport
· Age e.g. Birth certificate and/ or passport
· Nationality e.g. passport. We will advise you further if you do not have a passport.
· Your current address e.g. Driving licence, medical card, bank statement.
· Evidence of the ending of any previous marriage or civil partnership e.g. A decree absolute or a death certificate
All documents must be originals. If documents are in a foreign language, an English translation will be required. If you are unsure about this point, then please telephone our enquiries team.
How quickly will I be able to marry after giving notice?
The marriage can not take place until the expiration of 15 clear days from the date when both notices have been given. (This is a legal waiting period during which time a legal impediment may be raised if necessary)
How long is my notice valid for once I have given it?
A notice of intention to marry is valid for 12 months from the day of completion. Anyone who is intending to have a civil marriage ceremony or a religious marriage in a building registered under the Marriage Act, (Except for Church of England in most cases) will need to give a notice of intention to marry.
If I have a civil marriage ceremony in the City of Leicester, how much will it cost me?
Currently, the fee for a civil marriage ceremony at the Register office is £43.50 including the cost of the marriage certificate.
If you wish to marry in one of the Approved premises in the City of Leicester, then please request a list of the venues. For the attendance of a Superintendent Registrar, who will conduct your ceremony, and a Registrar, who will register your marriage the following fees currently apply:
· Monday – Friday £178.50
· Saturday £273.50
· Sunday or Bank Holiday £313.50
Please do not hesitate to contact our ceremonies enquiries team for any further information, or to make an appointment, or to provisionally book the time and date of your wedding.


