How Much Does a Registry Office Wedding Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, or simply want something more intimate, then a registry office ceremony might be what you’re looking for.
In the UK, the average cost of a wedding in 2026 is £20,604, and for many couples, spending this amount on a wedding isn’t possible. So seeking affordable alternatives to expensive venues is just one way to cut this figure in half.
A registry office wedding in the UK typically costs £500-£1,500 on average, with the overall average around £1,342. Basic legal fees such as giving notice and marriage certificates are often the cheapest components, while premium rooms, weekend bookings and extra services raise the total cost. In reality, many couples pay less than the average, particularly if they choose a weekday ceremony.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what’s included, how much registrar fees cost, why prices vary by council and what extra fees to budget for, so there are no surprises.
How much does it cost to get married in a registry office in the UK?
Most couples in the UK spend between £500 and £1,500 on a registry office wedding, depending on the location, day and ceremony type.
Based on Bridebook data, the average registry office wedding cost is £1,342, making it one of the cheapest legal ways to get married in the UK. Here is a breakdown of the costs:
| Overall average registry office wedding cost: | £1,342 |
| Basic UK registry office ceremony rate | £57-£260 |
| Cost of ceremony room | £200-£850 |
| Cost to give notice (per person) | £35 |
| Marriage certificates | £12.50 |
| Admin and postage fees | £10-£25 |
Many registry offices offer a basic ceremony rate, including room hire, for as low as £57. However, this figure varies by location, as prices are set by local councils. Higher-end prices usually apply to premium rooms, weekends, or popular city-centre registry offices. Separate ceremony rooms (as opposed to the registry office itself) typically cost around £200.
It’s important to remember that this isn’t the only fee you’ll pay when considering how much it costs to get married. As well as the cost of the room, you’ll also need to pay for each of you to give notice (£35 per person) and any additional marriage certificates (£12.50). There may also be administration fees and postage fees, starting from around £10.
Some registry offices will ask for a non-refundable booking fee to secure the date and time of your wedding ceremony. This is usually around £50, but can vary. Don’t worry, this isn’t an additional expense but part of the overall cost. It’s best to always check the terms and conditions regarding this fee when making your reservation. Of course, if you cancel your wedding, you won’t get this back.
For a clearer picture of how this fits into your overall spend, see our ultimate wedding budget breakdown.
What’s included in a standard registry office wedding fee?
A standard registry office wedding fee usually covers the legal ceremony only. This includes:
- A legally binding civil marriage
- A registrar or superintendent registrar
- Use of the registry office or ceremony room
- Signing of the marriage register
Extras such as music, personal vows, readings, or décor may be limited or charged separately, depending on your local council.
How much does a registrar cost in the UK?
The cost of a registrar is usually included in the ceremony fee if you are having a registry office wedding. However if you are getting married at an approved venue that is not a registry office, such as a licensed hotel, town hall, or barn, you’ll need to pay a separate registrar attendance fee. This is a legal requirement for the marriage to take place, which is why the cost can’t be avoided.
As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average cost of having a registrar come out to your venue is £300 in the UK. This cost can also vary depending on the day of the week. So expect to pay higher fees on weekends and bank holidays, as well as on special days, such as Christmas Eve. By contrast, weekday ceremonies during office hours are generally the most affordable option.
| Day of the week | Average estimated registrar fees |
| Weekday (office hours) | £300-400 |
| Weekday (out of hours) | £400-£450 |
| Saturday | £500 |
| Sunday | £550 |
| Bank Holiday | £525 |
| Special Days | £600-£650 |
Why do registry office wedding prices vary across the UK?
While getting married at a registry office is, on average, the cheapest venue option in the UK, prices aren’t fixed nationally. They’re set by local councils. This variation can look confusing at first, but it’s completely normal. You can expect prices to vary based on:
- Location: City centres and historic buildings often cost more
- Day & time: Weekends and peak times are pricier
- Room size: Larger rooms for more guests cost extra
- Season: Spring and summer dates are in higher demand
- Additional services – Additional music and decorations (if allowed)
While prices vary, the legal requirements are the same everywhere in England and Wales. You can explore registry office wedding venues across the UK to compare prices and locations here.
Extra registry office wedding costs to budget for
When budgeting, couples often overlook:
- Notice of marriage fees (£35 per person)
- Additional marriage certificates
- Booking or admin fees
- Cancellation or rescheduling charges
- Optional upgrades (music, readings, guest capacity)
Always check your local council’s fee breakdown before booking!
Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office or a venue?
In almost all cases, getting married at a registry office is significantly cheaper than an approved venue.
With the average UK wedding costing £20,604, venue hire alone can take up nearly half that budget. By comparison, registry office weddings are typically 80–90% cheaper, making them ideal for couples prioritising legality or savings.
If you’d prefer a venue-style setting, these cheap wedding venues in the UK are worth exploring.
Registry office wedding cost FAQs
How much does a registry office wedding cost in the UK?
Most couples in the UK spend between £500 and £1,500, with an average cost of £1,342.
What is the cheapest way to get married in the UK?
A weekday registry office ceremony during office hours is usually the cheapest option.
Are registry office wedding prices the same everywhere?
No. Prices are set by local councils and vary by location and timing.
How much does a registrar cost?
Registrar fees are included in registry office weddings but cost £300–£650 at approved venues.
Is a registry office cheaper than a wedding venue?
Yes. Registry office weddings are typically much cheaper than venues like hotels or barns.
What extra fees should we budget for?
Notice of marriage fees (£35 per person), additional marriage certificates (£12.50), admin fees, cancellation or rescheduling charges, and optional upgrades.
Start planning your wedding with Bridebook
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, even when you’re keeping things simple.
Our wedding planning checklist helps you stay organised from the very start, so nothing gets missed. You can also use our personalised budget tool (built on real UK wedding data) to see exactly where your money’s going and plan confidently without overspending.
Both are completely free and designed to make wedding planning feel far more manageable.
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Happy Planning!
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