
The average cost of a wedding in the UK is £20,822, with the venue taking up almost half of that price. This makes a registry office wedding, which costs £1,342 on average, a budget-friendly option for many couples. Registry office weddings are also ideal for couples who want a small, intimate ceremony with only their closest family and friends in attendance. While the cost of a registry office wedding varies depending on location, with local councils setting the price, there are many affordable options available. Basic ceremony rates, for example, start from £57, while the simplest type of wedding, involving just the couple and two witnesses, costs £68.50.
Registry Office Wedding Costs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage License | $129 for each public marriage license; $144 for each confidential marriage license |
| Civil Ceremony | $107 for each civil ceremony |
| Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate | $17 |
| Photography | $3600 for 8 hours of coverage (2 photographers are standard) |
| Location | Varies; some registry offices offer indoor and outdoor locations |
| Appointment Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm |
| Valid Identification | Required for both parties |
| Divorce Decree | Required if divorced within the last 30-90 days |
| Witnesses | Not required to obtain a license, but needed during the wedding ceremony |
| Marriage License Expiry | 60-90 days from the issue date |
| Registry Office Wedding Duration | Brief, typically less than 10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn

Marriage license fees: $129 for public, $144 for confidential
The cost of a wedding at a registry office varies depending on location and whether you opt for a public or confidential marriage license. In San Diego, a public marriage license costs $129, while a confidential marriage license costs $144. These fees are payable by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. There is an additional $2.50 surcharge for card payments.
In California, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the issue date. It is recommended to return the completed license to the County Recorder's Office within 10 days after the wedding for registration. Certified copies of the marriage certificate are available approximately 1-2 weeks after filing and cost $17 each.
In other states, such as North Carolina, the cost of a marriage license is $60, and it is valid for 60 days. The license must be returned to the Register of Deeds' office within two weeks of expiration if it is unused. Copies of the marriage license can be obtained in person or by mail for a fee of $10.
It is important to note that the requirements and fees for marriage licenses may vary by county and state, so it is recommended to check with the local County Clerk's office or Register of Deeds for the most accurate information.
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Certified marriage certificate copies: $17 each
Certified marriage certificate copies are available for purchase at $17 each in San Diego County. This is in addition to the cost of the marriage license, which varies depending on the type of license and county. For example, in San Diego County, a non-confidential (public) marriage license costs $129, while a confidential marriage license costs $144.
It's important to note that marriage licenses and marriage certificates are two different things. A marriage license is a document that you must obtain before your wedding, and it allows you to legally marry. On the other hand, a marriage certificate is proof of your marriage and can be purchased after the ceremony.
The process of obtaining a marriage license and certificate may vary slightly depending on your location. For instance, in San Diego County, you can obtain a marriage license from one of the five County Clerk's offices, and the license must be returned to the issuing office within 10 days of the wedding for recording.
In some cases, you may also have the option to obtain a marriage license from an Authorized Notary Public, who may be available outside of normal business hours and office locations. This can be a convenient option if you need more flexibility in scheduling your license appointment.
Regarding marriage certificates, you typically need to request and purchase a certified copy to receive any documentation of your legally recognised marriage. The availability of certified copies may depend on the county and can usually be obtained a few days to a couple of weeks after the wedding.
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Civil ceremony fee: $107
A civil ceremony is a non-religious marriage ceremony presided over by a government official. In the United States, civil ceremonies are often held at a courthouse or registry office.
The cost of a civil ceremony can vary depending on the location and other factors. In San Diego, California, the fee for a civil ceremony performed by the County Clerk staff is $107. This fee is charged for each civil ceremony performed and is in addition to the cost of the marriage license, which is $129 for a public license and $144 for a confidential license.
It is important to note that the marriage license and civil ceremony fees may differ in other counties and states. For example, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, the fee for a marriage license is $60, and there may be additional costs for the civil ceremony.
When planning a civil ceremony, it is essential to consider other potential costs, such as the fees for the officiant, venue, photography, and any other desired amenities. These costs can vary widely depending on the location and specific requests.
In San Diego, for instance, courthouse wedding ceremonies are typically brief, lasting less than 10 minutes. Couples can add personal touches to their civil ceremony, such as exchanging their own vows with the officiant's permission. They can also opt for an outdoor ceremony, which offers a picturesque setting with fountains and gardens. However, additional costs may apply for outdoor ceremonies, and they are subject to change based on availability and weather conditions.
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Wedding rings: $8 plus ring cost
When it comes to wedding rings, there is a fee of $8 plus the cost of each ring purchased in a single transaction. This is in accordance with the California Constitution, Article 11, Section 7.
This means that, in addition to the cost of the rings themselves, there is an $8 fee for the purchase of wedding rings as part of a marriage service. This fee is typically included in the overall cost of the wedding rings and covers the administrative costs associated with the purchase.
It is important to note that this fee only applies to rings purchased as part of a single transaction and may not include additional costs such as engraving, resizing, or shipping. Couples may also have the option to purchase their wedding rings separately, in which case the $8 fee would not apply.
When planning a registry office wedding, it is essential to consider all the associated costs, including the marriage license, ceremony fees, and any additional documentation or services required. By understanding these costs, couples can make informed decisions and create a realistic budget for their special day.
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Wedding photography: $3600 for 8 hours
The cost of a registry office wedding can vary depending on location and other factors. In San Diego, for example, there is a $107 fee for civil ceremonies performed by the County Clerk staff. Marriage licenses also come with a fee, with a non-confidential (public) marriage license costing $129 and a confidential marriage license costing $144.
Now, onto wedding photography, which is an important part of capturing the memories of your special day. Wedding photography packages can vary widely in price, depending on the experience and skill of the photographer, the duration of coverage, and any additional services or products included.
For $3600 for 8 hours of coverage, you can expect a skilled and experienced photographer who will capture your wedding beautifully and authentically. This price point is a significant investment, reflecting the quality and expertise of the photographer. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect for this budget:
Pre-Wedding Consultation
A professional photographer will typically meet with you beforehand to understand your vision, style preferences, and any specific requirements you may have. They will also be able to provide guidance and suggestions based on their experience to ensure a seamless photoshoot.
Full-Day Coverage
With 8 hours of coverage, your photographer will be able to capture the entire day, from the bridal preparations to the first dance and everything in between. This extended coverage ensures that no moment is missed, and you will receive a comprehensive collection of images that tell the story of your wedding day.
High-Quality Equipment and Editing
The quoted price includes the use of professional-grade camera equipment, lighting, and other accessories to ensure crisp, clear, and stunning images. Post-production editing and retouching are also part of the package, enhancing the photos to create a flawless final product.
Digital Files and Print Options
You will receive your images in a convenient digital format, typically via an online gallery and/or USB drive. This allows you to easily share and upload your photos. Additionally, some photographers may include print releases, allowing you to make personal prints, or even provide print credits to use toward purchasing high-quality prints directly from them.
Additional Shoots
Some photographers may include an engagement shoot or a bridal shoot as part of the package. This is a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day and have additional special moments captured.
Travel and Mileage
If your wedding location is within a reasonable distance from the photographer's base, travel costs are typically included in the package price. However, for more distant destinations, there may be a per-mile charge or additional fees for airfare and accommodations.
Second Shooter
While not always included, some photographers may bring an assistant or second shooter to ensure that multiple angles and moments are captured. This can be beneficial to have an extra set of eyes and cameras to capture the fullness of your wedding day.
Remember, it is essential to discuss all the details, expectations, and potential hidden costs with your photographer beforehand to ensure a clear understanding and a stress-free experience.
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Frequently asked questions
A non-confidential (public) marriage license in San Diego costs $129, while a confidential marriage license costs $144. The civil ceremony costs $107.
The fee for a marriage license in Cumberland County is $60.
A marriage license is valid for 90 days in California and 60 days in North Carolina.
A certified copy of a marriage certificate in San Diego costs $17.
Yes, an Authorized Notary Public may be available outside of normal business hours and office locations.











































