How to Plan a Quick Wedding in the UK: 3-Month Timeline & Expert Tips
Planning a last-minute wedding in the UK? Follow our expert 3-month timeline, checklist, and tips to get married quickly without the stress
Most wedding planning guides assume you have at least a year to prepare - but what if you’re planning a quick wedding in the UK? Whether you’re dreaming of a low-key registry office ceremony or simply don’t want to wait, tying the knot in as little as 60 days is entirely possible.
First, take a deep breath - it can and will happen! Why wait another year when you could marry the person of your dreams in as little as 60 days? A quick wedding is not only doable, but often more cost-effective, leaving more budget for your honeymoon, home, or future together.
However, while a fast wedding is possible, it needs to be planned with precision and a decisive attitude; this is not the time for sleepless nights over whether you prefer pink or white roses in your bouquet.
Organising a wedding is stressful no matter how much time you have to work out the details but, with the right mindset, planning one at short notice doesn’t have to feel like a whirlwind. With only weeks to go, you can swap wedding stress for sheer excitement at how soon you get to say ‘I do’.
Prioritise the essentials, stay practical, and follow our step-by-step advice to plan a simple, stress-free wedding in under three months.
How quickly can you get married in the UK?
Before you dive into planning there are some legal requirements you need to consider when opting for a quick UK wedding ceremony:
- In England, Wales and Scotland you must give at least 29 days notice of your marriage or civil partnership at your local registry office before you can legally marry.
- In Northern Ireland you must submit your notice of marriage no later than 28 days before you intend to marry.
- If one or both of you are subject to immigration control, that notice period may be extended due to home office checks.
Quick Wedding Timeline
To help you enjoy the process, here’s a simple wedding planning checklist and timeline for organising a wedding quickly.
3 Months Before
- Decide on your wedding budget and your non-negotiables
- Agree on a date (or small range of dates) so you can narrow down your venues
- Research the legal requirements and documents you need
- Contact your local registry office and give notice as soon as possible
- Book your venue
- Book key suppliers including wedding photographer, caterer, florist, DJ
- Book your celebrant or registrar
- Arrange wedding insurance
- Draft your guest list and send save-the-dates
- Confirm your bridal party and groomsmen
- Choose your wedding theme to help you with decor
- Shop for wedding attire
- Shop for wedding rings
- Book hair and makeup trials
- Plan your honeymoon or mini moon
2 Months Before
- Send out your official invitations
- Write your vows
- Check all your legal documents are ready
- Book your entertainment
- Finalise your menu
- Order any key decorations if you’re doing it yourself
- Confirm transport for the day and logistics
- Plan ceremony details including readings, vows and music
- Buy any wedding favours
- Start thinking about the schedule of the day
1 Month Before
- Prepare your wedding day emergency kit
- Final dress and suit fittings
- Confirm timings with venue and suppliers
- Give final headcount to caterer or venue
- Finalise your wedding seating plan
- Check in and coordinate checklist with your band or DJ
- Confirm your photographer shot list
- Prepare a wedding day timeline with your wedding party, family and vendors
How to Plan a Quick Wedding FAQs
Planning a quick wedding can bring up a lot of questions. We asked our Editor and Wedding Expert, Zoe Burke, for her top tops on getting married in the UK quickly...
How quickly can you get married in the UK?
In the UK, the minimum legal notice period is 28 days before your wedding. This means you need to give notice at your local register office at least 28 days in advance of the ceremony. Some couples may need longer if there are special circumstances or they’re applying from abroad. You can also apply to waive the notice period for a fast wedding for extenuating circumstances, such as severe illness.
What’s the quickest way to get married in the UK?
Civil wedding ceremonies at a registry office are the fastest way to get married, where the 28-day notice is the main legal requirement. Booking an available slot at your local register office or a licensed venue can let you marry as soon as legally possible.
Can you get married the same day in the UK?
No, same-day weddings aren’t legally possible due to the 28-day notice requirement. However, you can plan and book everything in advance to have a quick wedding once the notice period has passed.
How do I give notice for a wedding if I’m short on time?
You’ll need to visit your local register office and submit the required documents in person. You can sometimes speed things up by booking an appointment online, preparing your documents in advance, and confirming availability at your chosen venue.
Can foreigners get married quickly in the UK?
Foreign nationals can marry in the UK, but they still need to meet the 28-day notice requirement. You must also provide additional documents like passports, visas, and, in some cases, evidence of marital status or residency.
How much does a quick wedding cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the venue and number of guests. A registry office wedding can start from £200-£400 for the ceremony alone, while adding photography, flowers, and reception can bring the total to a few thousand pounds. Exclusive-use venues or hotels will cost more.
Where can you have a quick wedding in the UK?
Quick weddings are easiest at registry offices or licensed civil ceremony venues. Many historic houses, hotels, and wedding venues also offer packages designed for small or last-minute weddings - it's always worth asking!
Can I have a quick registry office wedding?
Yes! Registry offices are the simplest way to get married quickly. They handle civil ceremonies, have set packages, and usually allow smaller, more intimate weddings that can be arranged within weeks after giving notice.
What documents do you need to get married quickly?
You’ll need:
- Passports or photo ID for both partners
- Proof of address (utility bills, bank statements)
- Birth certificates (sometimes required)
- Proof of marital status (divorce decree absolute or death certificate if applicable)
- Visa documents for foreign nationals
What’s the difference between a quick civil ceremony and a traditional wedding?
A quick civil ceremony is usually held at a registry office or licensed venue, often with minimal decoration, fewer guests, and a shorter timeline. A traditional wedding may include a church ceremony, reception, larger guest list, and more elaborate planning. Both are legally binding, but traditional weddings tend to take more time to organise.
Can same-sex couples get married quickly in the UK?
Yes. Same-sex or LGBTQ+ couples have the same rights and legal requirements as opposite-sex couples, including the 28-day notice period. Civil ceremonies and registry office weddings are fully inclusive.
How do I plan a quick wedding on a budget?
- Choose a registry office or small venue to save on hire costs.
- Limit the guest list to only close family and friends.
- Use ready-made bouquets or decorations rather than bespoke items.
- Hire a freelance photographer or ask a friend to capture key moments.
- Consider midweek dates, which can be cheaper and easier to book.
What’s the minimum notice period for marriage in the UK?
The minimum legal notice period is 28 days. In certain circumstances, couples who have lived abroad or have special residency requirements may need to give longer notice, but 28 days is the standard minimum for most UK residents.
Not sure how the actual day will look? Follow our sample wedding day timelines and find out how much time your need to leave for reception drinks, photos, dinner and speeches!
