YOUR CEREMONY
THE LEGAL BITS - NOTICE OF MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP After your date , time and venue are booked , you and your partner will both need to give your notice of marriage or civil partnership for the ceremony to take place ( this can only be done up to 12 months in advance ). If you are British or EU citizens , you give notice in the district ( s ) in which you live , either together or independently - whichever is more convenient . You will be asked to bring documents to confirm your identity - this is paperwork that confirms your marital or civil partnership status , nationality , residence and names . When you book your appointment , the register office will go through what is required and there is a full list of acceptable documents on akentishceremony . com . After the notice of marriage has been given , you need to wait 28 clear days before the ceremony can take place and it must be held within the year , otherwise you ’ ll need to give notice all over again . For example , two Notices of Marriage or Civil Partnership given on 1st October 2024 mean you can marry on or after 29th October 2024 and until 29 October 2025 .
THE LEGAL BITS - FOREIGN NATIONALS All people subject to immigration control must now satisfy certain criteria before they give their notice of marriage or civil partnership . This could take up to 70 days .
THE LEGAL BITS - FEES AND DOCUMENTS Fees are payable for :
• Notice of marriage or civil partnership
• Attendance of registration staff at the ceremony
• Certificate ( s )
THE CEREMONY A civil marriage ceremony in an approved premises can be as traditional , grand or simple as you wish . You will be issued with the ‘ A Kentish Ceremony Choices ’ booklet , allowing you to make selections for each part of the ceremony . Find out how you can personalise your ceremony on page 22 .
CONTACT
For further information on civil ceremonies and venues and to find contact details for the ceremony teams , visit akentishceremony . com .
Keep up to date with the latest news and trends by visiting our website , where you can also find a digital edition of A Kentish Ceremony magazine .
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