How Much Does a Registry Office Wedding Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed

If you’re not interested in a large wedding or have a smaller budget, a registry office wedding is a great option for your big day. You may not want a lavish ceremony where you get married in front of a hundred people – you may prefer a more intimate wedding attended only by those closest to you. There is no right or wrong approach – only what’s right for you.

In the UK, the average cost of a wedding in 2025 has risen to £20,822. For many couples, spending that amount on a wedding isn’t possible, and seeking affordable alternatives to expensive venues is just one way to cut this figure in two. If you’re wondering about the cost of marriage at a registry office or how much it costs to get married in general, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a registry office wedding, including the average amount couples pay, the factors that can affect that cost, and why couples choose to get married at a registry office. We’ll also look at how registry office wedding prices compare to other options, making it easier for you to decide if this is the cheapest way to get married in the UK.

How much does it cost to get married in a registry office?

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According to our data, the average registry office wedding cost in the UK is £1,342. It’s also important to remember that this figure is an average, and it can be cheaper still to get married in a registry office – much cheaper.

Many registry offices offer a basic ceremony rate, including the room hire, for as low as £57. However, this basic figure can vary depending on where you’re based, as the cost is set by the local council. This also doesn’t include the cost of a ceremony room (different from a registry office), which can 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 (from £35 per person) and any additional marriage certificates (around £10). There may also be administration fees and postage fees, starting from around £10.

Registry office wedding costs can therefore be broken down like this:

Overall average registry office wedding cost:	£1,342
Basic UK registry office ceremony rate	As low as £57
Cost of ceremony room	£200
Cost to give notice	From £35 per person
Marriage certificates	Around £10
Admin and postage fees	Starting from around £10

See the infographic below for a full breakdown of registry office costs:

Registry Office Wedding Costs Infographic 2025

What’s the average cost of registrar fees?

As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, fees for a registrar to attend a civil marriage venue (for example, a town hall, or a hotel) cost an average of £300 in the UK. This cost can also vary depending on the day of the week. 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
Monday to Friday (within office hours)	£300-400
Monday to Friday (outside office hours)	£400-£450
Saturday	£500
Sunday	£550
Bank Holiday	£525
Special Days (for example, Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year Day)	£600-£650

Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office?

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With the average registry office cost being £1,342, a registry office wedding is by far the cheapest venue option for couples, coming in at 75% cheaper than getting married in a religious building, 82% cheaper than a hotel, and 89% cheaper than a castle. This figure does include the cost of the registrar, which as stated above, costs an average of £300. This is also the most important cost to be aware of, because without a registrar, you can’t have a legally binding marriage!

As we’ve already highlighted, the average overall cost of a wedding is £20,822. With the average cost of a venue being a huge chunk of that price (almost half, in fact), getting married in a registry office can make a wedding far more feasible for many couples. Plus, some couples simply don’t want a large wedding and are much happier to save some money by hosting an intimate ceremony with their closest family and friends. So, in terms of how much it costs to get married, a registry office wedding is often the most budget-friendly option.

What factors can affect the cost of a registry office wedding?

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While the cost of getting married in a registry office is, on average, the cheapest type of venue throughout the UK, there are factors that can affect the cost.

Location – Depending on where you’re getting married, some registry offices can be more expensive than others, as the cost is set by the local council.
Time and day – It can be more expensive to get married during more popular dates and times, such as on Saturday afternoons.
Season – During peak marriage seasons, such as the spring and summer, the cost of a registry office wedding may be higher.
Guests – A registry office will have limited capacity, and there may be an additional charge if you want a larger number of guests or extra space.
Additional services – Additional music and decorations (if allowed) may affect the cost (you’ll need to check with your local council).

There are also the costs associated with a wedding at any other venue, such as if you’re hiring a photographer or videographer.

Do you have to pay a deposit when booking a registry office wedding?

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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. It’s important to note that this non-refundable booking fee is typically part of the overall cost and not an additional expense. Always check the terms and conditions regarding this fee when making your reservation.

Are there any fees if you need to cancel or reschedule?

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As well as losing your non-refundable booking fee, you may be charged a fee if you cancel your wedding (particularly if you cancel last minute), and there may be admin charges to rebook. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the rescheduling policy of your chosen registry office. Some offices may have more flexible policies than others, especially for circumstances beyond your control.

How long does it take to get married at a registry office?

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A registry office wedding is perfect for couples who don’t want a long ceremony or the attention that comes with getting married at larger venues. The ceremony itself will take around 20 – 30 minutes, though you’ll need to arrive around half an hour to an hour beforehand so you can be interviewed before the ceremony takes place. This means that several marriages can take place at the same registry office on any given day. Read more in our registry office ceremony guide.

Before the wedding day, you’ll need to give notice of marriage at your local register office. This is a legal requirement and typically needs to be done at least 28 days before your ceremony date. The cost of giving notice is usually included in the overall registry office wedding package.

Why might you choose to get married at a registry office?

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Whether you’ve been married before, have a tighter budget, or simply don’t want the fuss that comes with a larger wedding, there can be many reasons why getting married at a registry office is the right choice for you.

As our data shows, a registry office wedding is a much more affordable option. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean it isn’t still beautiful. Even a more intimate wedding can be special and highly personal – it’s just far kinder on your budget.

Once your registry office wedding has finished and the two of you are married, it’s up to you what you do to celebrate. Depending on what you choose, costs will of course vary greatly – an intimate meal with family and friends will be far more budget-friendly than hiring a venue and hosting a party.

For more information on keeping wedding costs down, check out our dedicated post on how to save money on a wedding.

Start planning your wedding with Bridebook

At Bridebook, we can help you plan everything to do with your wedding, from the venue to the stationery. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your post-registry office wedding celebrations, we’ve got plenty of brilliant restaurant wedding venues you can choose from.