The registrar will process your forms. After making sure there are no legal restrictions, they’ll prepare either a:
- marriage schedule
- civil partnership schedule
You need a schedule for your ceremony or registration. You cannot proceed without one.
If you’re having a civil marriage or registration
The registrar will bring the schedule to be completed on the day of the marriage or registration. The schedule must be signed in best quality permanent black fountain pen ink by:
- both parties
- the registrar performing the marriage or civil partnership
- the two witnesses
The registrar will then register the marriage.
If you’re having a religious or belief ceremony
One of you must collect the schedule from the registration office. The registrar will make arrangements with you for collecting your schedule.
You must do this:
- no more than 7 days before your ceremony
- no less than 29 days after your notice has been submitted
The schedule must be provided to the person performing the marriage or civil partnership before the ceremony can take place.
Immediately after the ceremony, the schedule must be signed in best quality permanent black fountain pen ink by:
- both parties
- the celebrant performing the marriage or civil partnership
- the two witnesses
You must then return it to the registrar within 3 days so they can register the marriage or civil partnership.
After the marriage or civil partnership is registered
You can get copies of the marriage or civil partnership certificate from the registrar. You’ll need to pay the certificate fee which is:
- £10 if you’re purchasing within a month of your registration
- £15 if you’re purchasing more than a month after your registration
If you need an urgent copy of your certificate, notify the registrar when you collect your schedule.
Changing your name
You do not need to formally change your surname after a marriage or civil partnership. If you choose to start using a new surname, most organisations will allow this change to be evidenced by a marriage or civil partnership certificate.
If you would like to formally change your name on your birth certificate for any other reason, follow the changing your name guidance.
