Weddings and civil partnerships
Are you planning to marry or form a civil partnership? We understand it can be exciting and overwhelming. You are planning one of the biggest, happiest days of your life. Don't worry, we're here to help you.
Choose a venue
The first step in planning your ceremony is to find your perfect venue. Here are some places you might want to have your ceremony:
- register office
- hotel
- stately home
- castle
- tipis
- public house and restaurant
- barn or farm
- or unique venues such as, a theme park, a race track, a lighthouse or a zoo!
Need more inspiration? Why not:
- visit the Kentish Ceremony website. It's filled with a variety of licensed venues and registry offices to suit your needs.
- attend an open day. You'll get to see how the venue works and meet the venue staff.
- go to a wedding show. They're held throughout the year across Kent. You'll get to meet venue staff. You'll also meet services like photographers, videographers, make-up artists, and hairstylists. And there's much more!
Religious ceremonies
If you’re having a Church of England ceremony, normally the Church will take care of these things for you. For any other religious ceremony, speak to the person in charge where you're getting married.
Book a registrar
Once you've chosen your venue, you will need to book your ceremony. A fee will need to be paid to us.
Learn more about this booking.
Give notice
You must both sign a legal statement at your local register office. This is to formally announce your plan to marry. This is known as 'giving notice'.
This must be done at least 29 days before your ceremony. However your ceremony can take place within 12 months of 'giving notice'.
Give notice at a register office
Getting married abroad
If you’re a British national getting married abroad, you might need certain documents from the UK government. For example, a certificate of no impediment (CNI).
For more information visit GOV.UK or contact our Ceremony Team.
Legal fees
You will need to pay for:
- the attendance of registration staff at the ceremony. This includes a non-refundable booking confirmation fee to guarantee your chosen date and time.
- the notice of marriage
- your marriage certificate(s).
View the latest marriage fees and terms and conditions.
Suppliers
Visit a Kentish Ceremony to see supplier details. These include, entertainment, florists, transport, and photography.
Contact us
Contact our Ceremony Team to:
- make an appointment to give notice
- talk about your existing booking
- find out more about ceremonies in Kent
- request a certificate of no impediment.
If you have an existing booking and can't reach our team by phone, don't worry. We won't cancel your booking. We will contact you.
Want to contact us by email? Please include in the subject header your ceremony date and location.