If you were married in England and Wales - you can apply for a copy of your marriage certificate from the General Register Office by phone, post or online.
(If you were married elsewhere you will need to obtain a certificate from the country in which the marriage took place)
You can get the certificate quicker and for a slightly lower fee if you know the GRO Index number - but in most cases you wont know this number, and instead you just need to supply the names of each spouse and the date and place of the marriage.
Order Online (recommended):
- The webpage to begin the application process is here: order a marriage certificate online
- You need to register and then complete an appliction form and supply your debit or credit card details for payment.
Delivery options and cost for online orders:
- Standard : Despatched on the 15th working day from receipt of order. Cost: £10.00 per certificate.
- Priority : Despatched next working day from receipt of order. Cost: £26.00 per certificate.
By phone (recommended):
- The number is +44 (0)845 603 7788
- Lines are open: Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm (excluding Bank Holidays) and Saturday 9am – 4pm
- Payment by debit or credit card.
Delivery options and cost for telephone orders:
- Standard : Despatched on the 15th working day from receipt of order. Cost: £11.50 per certificate.
- Priority : Despatched next working day from receipt of order. Cost: £27.50 per certificate.
By post (this option is slow, as you first have to send off for an official application form)
- GRO has recently introduced application forms, which have been designed and developed to be electronically scanned direct into our new application database, rather than having to be individually input.
- From the 1 September 2008, applications will only be accepted on the new style forms, which must be completed in full and returned by post to the General Register Office, together with the correct payment either by cheque, postal order, or credit card. Please note - These forms must not be faxed or photocopied. The original form must be returned to the General Register Office.
- If you wish to obtain a Birth, Marriage or Death application form, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , stating which type of application form you require and how many copies. Please include your name and address.
- Post the completed form to:
GRO
PO Box 2
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 2JD
Delivery options and cost for posted orders:
- Standard : Despatched on the 15th working day from receipt of order. Cost: £11.50 per certificate.
- Priority : Despatched next working day from receipt of order. Cost: £27.50 per certificate.
