Getting married in Kent? We’ve got all the info you need to say ‘I do’ in our wedding guide.
Newly engaged? Congrats! We hope you’ve allowed yourself lots of time to let it sink in and celebrate. This is a special time that should be cherished, enjoyed, before the work of actually planning a wedding gets under way! If you are getting married in Kent, and you’re ready to start looking into the legal and logistical steps you’ll need to take, we’ve prepared a handy wedding guide for you.
Image by Bella Luce Wedding Photography
A Guide to Getting Married in Kent
This guide will help you navigate the process of getting married in Kent, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience.
Kent is blessed with so many stunning places to tie the knot, alongside some really talented suppliers capable of creating the dream big day look, no matter your ambition.
Getting married in Kent is the same as getting married anywhere else in the UK, in that a civil wedding is the same for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation or marital history. This is not the case for church weddings, unfortunately, as same-sex couples cannot currently get married in the Church of England.
What Wedding Types are Available in Kent?
There are a multitude of different wedding ceremony types available in Kent, reflecting our diverse community. No matter your faith, sexuality, or outlook on life, you will find a ceremony that suits you.
If you need help deciding on a ceremony type, or style, please chat to our expert celebrant, Simply Ceremonies.
Find below a quick guide to the different ceremony types available to those getting married in Kent.
Civil Ceremony
A civil ceremony is a non-religious service conducted by a registrar at a register office, or an approved wedding venue. This type of wedding ceremony is ideal for those seeking plenty of venue flexibility and choice of ceremony content. However, a legally binding civil wedding ceremony in Kent, and the rest of the UK, must include vows with specific legal wording. These are known as 'declaratory' and 'contracting' words. The 'declaratory' part involves each partner stating they have no legal reason to not be married. The 'contracting' part involves each partner formally accepting the other as their spouse.
If you would like to choose your own readings and songs for a civil ceremony, to personalise the experience, you cannot include religious content. Your elected registrar will be present throughout making sure everything is official, alongside two witnesses who’ll need to sign the marriage register with you and your partner.
Religious Ceremony
The process of getting married in Kent with a religious ceremony will differ depending on your faith. For instance, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Jewish, or Quaker ceremonies, occur in places of worship (although Jewish weddings can take place anywhere under a Chuppah) and are officiated by religious officiants according to the customs and traditions of each faith community.
Much like in a civil ceremony, religious weddings demand that you solemnise, or perform, your marriage by saying a prescribed form of words. This exchanging of words may also include declarations and rites specific to your religion.
After your religious ceremony, your marriage must be registered immediately by the officiant signing a marriage licence. If the religious leader is not authorised to register marriages, a civil registrar must also be present to legalise it.
Image by Bella Luce Wedding Photography
Celebrant-led or Humanist Wedding Ceremony
Humanist weddings are non-religious ceremonies that focus on celebrating love and commitment, rather than religious worship. This type of wedding ceremony is conducted by a Humanist celebrant who, depending on your taste, and their style, will be able to personalise the entire experience to suit your ambitions.
Humanist ceremonies are not currently legally binding in Kent, or the rest of England and Wales. As independent celebrants cannot perform legal marriages in the UK (at the moment), you will need to officially marry at a registry office before your celebrant-led or humanist ceremony.
Civil Partnership
A civil partnership ceremony is a legal alternative to marriage that provides most of the same rights and benefits, but with a non-religious approach. If you choose to have this type of ceremony, you will need to register to marry by signing a document with witnesses and a registrar, but no vows are required.
Civil partnerships in the UK have been open to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples since 2013. While less common since same-sex marriage became legal, they remain a flexible option for couples getting married in Kent that desire a formal union outside the traditional marriage framework. With the option to add a separate ceremony or religious blessing if desired.
Same Sex Ceremony
Same-sex couples in Kent can have a civil wedding ceremony, a religious wedding ceremony (in certain faiths where permitted), or civil partnerships, which offers legal recognition regardless of gender. However, same-sex couples still cannot currently get married in the Church of England or the Church of Wales.
It’s worth noting that the process for marriage registration in the UK can vary slightly depending on your chosen ceremony type, so be sure to check with your local registry office in Kent for details.
The Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Kent
There are a few boxes you need to tick before getting married in Kent. Below are the rules for a legally binding wedding in the UK.
Age: You both need to be 18 or over to get married in England.
Relationship Status: You cannot be currently married or in a civil partnership.
Relationship Type: Same-sex and opposite-sex relationships are both recognised as marriage.
Relatives: Close blood relatives are prohibited from marrying.
Immigration Status: UK citizens, those with indefinite leave to remain, or citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland are eligible.
Mental Capacity: You must be mentally capable of understanding and consenting to marriage.
The Documentation Required to Get Married in Kent
Before getting married in Kent, and across the UK, you will need several documents in place. The process begins with giving notice, a legal requirement that informs the authorities of your intention to marry.
You and your partner must visit your local registry office at least 29 days before the ceremony to complete the above step, and you must marry within a year, once notice has been given. You can only give notice at a registered office if you have lived in the registration district for at least 7 days.
Below are the documents you will need to provide:
Proof of Name: A valid passport or official document with your legal name.
Proof of Age: A birth certificate is typically used.
Proof of Any Name Changes: If you've changed your name through deed poll or something similar, you’ll need to provide documentation.
Proof of Nationality: A valid passport or national identity card.
Proof of Address: Driving licence, recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill are all acceptable options.
Previous Marriage Status Documentation (if applicable):
- Decree absolute or final order (in case of a previous divorce).
- Death certificate of your former partner (if applicable).Entry Visa (if applicable): For non-residents, proof of legal entitlement to be in the UK may be required.
Marriage Details: Provide details of where and when you intend to get married.
In case your local registry office requires extra information, or has updated their procedure, be sure to check what’s needed locally before making a trip.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in a Kent Registry Office?
A basic registration of marriage in Kent incurs a statutory fee of £56. This simple ceremony is carried out in a small room at a Registry Office. Only 2 witnesses and 2 guests are allowed to attend, and this service can only be provided on weekdays.
A marriage certificate will also need to be purchased at a cost of £11 and this will be sent out to your address four days after you apply.
If you are planning a religious ceremony, within a religious building, the cost of a registrar will be £104.