Planning a registry office wedding in Lancashire? Here's what to expect
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
A registry office wedding is one of the simplest ways to get married in the UK, but how does it actually work, and is it right for you?
Here's everything you need to know about getting married in a registry office, from what happens on the day to how much it'll cost.
What is a registry office wedding?
A registry office wedding (sometimes called a register office wedding or a registrar office wedding) is a legal civil ceremony where two people get married.
Many couples choose a registry office wedding because it's the most affordable and straightforward way to get legally married.
What happens at registry office weddings?
There are four main stages to a registry office wedding, including giving notice, booking the big day, having the ceremony, and (big surprise) getting married!
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Give notice of marriage. You and your partner visit your local register office and meet the registrar in person. You complete the necessary paperwork and discuss what kind of wedding you want. By law, you must give at least 28 days' notice, and the ceremony must be at a registration office in the district where you live.
Book your date and room. You can book your ceremony up to 3 years in advance (you often need to pay in full when you book a registry office wedding).
The ceremony. The registrar welcomes everyone, you both make your legal declarations, exchange vows and rings (if you want to), and sign the register. Two witnesses sign as well.
Get married! The ceremony takes 15 to 30 minutes and you walk out with a marriage certificate.
Worth knowing: No religious content is allowed in a civil ceremony, unlike in a church wedding or other religious celebration. That covers hymns, readings with religious themes, and religious music.
How much does a registry office wedding cost in Lancashire?
Registry office wedding costs vary depending on your location, but you can typically expect to spend between £200 and £600 for the actual ceremony.
For example, if you're getting married in Lancashire*, the cheapest option is a statutory ceremony at the register office in Preston with just two witnesses.
It’s £62 for the ceremony, a £50 non-refundable booking fee, and £12.50 for your certificate.
You also pay £46.50 per person when giving notice of marriage, so factor in an extra £93 on top of the ceremony fee.
For a fuller ceremony with guests, here are the current Lancashire register office fees (all figures include the £50 booking fee and one certificate):
*Source: Lancashire County Council marriage and civil partnership fees, correct as of April 2026.
You can also get married in approved premises (any venue that's legally licensed to host civil marriage ceremonies).
This type of ceremony is more expensive (an extra £100 to £300) because the registrar has to travel to your venue. Not to mention, your wedding costs will definitely increase as you’ll pay to use the venue!
Side note: Go to the UK Government website for more information on how to get a licence to host a civil marriage or civil partnership at your ideal wedding venue.
How many guests can attend a registry office wedding?
It depends on the registry office (every venue has different room capacities), but it’s typically between 10 and 75.
For example, if you’re getting married in Lancashire:
The Lancaster Registration Office has a ground floor ceremony room that seats 36 guests.
Preston's ceremony room, the Lancashire Rose Suite, seats 74 guests.
Side note: For Burnley and other offices in Lancashire, you’ll need to contact the registry office or ceremonies officer directly to confirm capacity.
Can you have a reception after getting married at a registry office?
Yes, and a lot of couples do! Research shows that 1 in 7 couples separate their legal and celebratory ceremonies, letting the registry office handle the legal side and having the celebration elsewhere.
Unlike a registry office wedding, a full hotel wedding experience means you don't need to limit your guest list, menu or how long the party goes on.
Book your perfect registry office wedding celebration at The Lawrence
The Lawrence regularly hosts reception-only events for couples who've already sorted the legal side. Whether it's a relaxed afternoon lunch or a full evening reception, our wedding venue in Lancashire makes reception-only events just as special as a full wedding day.
The Lawrence is also licensed for civil marriages, so if you'd rather have the legal ceremony and the reception in the same place, that's also an option!
Reach out to the team to discuss what your day could look like.
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