A “2 + 2” ceremony is the simplest, quickest and cheapest legal way to get married in England and Wales.
It involves two people (the couple) and two witnesses — no guests, music or readings.
It completes the legal side of marriage so you can hold your real celebration later, anywhere and in any style you like.
What Is a 2 + 2 Ceremony?
The term “2 + 2” means:
- 2 people: the couple getting married
- + 2 witnesses: any adults who can sign the schedule
The registrar conducts a short legal ceremony using the required words.
Everyone signs the marriage schedule.
That is all that is needed to make the marriage legally valid under English and Welsh law.
Other names for this include:
- Statutory ceremony
- No-frills or minimal ceremony
- Register office marriage
Not all registration districts use the phrase “2 + 2”, but all must offer a statutory ceremony by law.
Why Choose a 2 + 2 Ceremony?
Many couples separate the legal marriage from their wedding celebration for practical or creative reasons. Common benefits include:
- Freedom: hold your celebration anywhere — garden, barn, or abroad — without legal limits.
- Low cost: statutory ceremonies are usually the cheapest option available at a register office.
- Less stress: complete the legal paperwork quietly, then focus on the fun part later.
- Flexibility: good for international couples or anyone planning a symbolic wedding later.
The only downside is that it is a short, plain event with no personal content — but that is often the point.
Legal Requirements in England & Wales
1. Give Notice of Marriage
You must both give notice in person at your local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony.
You will need proof of identity, address, and any previous marriage documents.
If one person is not a British citizen or has immigration conditions, further checks may apply.
2. Approved Venue
The 2 + 2 ceremony must take place in a register office or other legally approved venue.
For statutory ceremonies, it is almost always held in the registrar’s own office or a designated room.
3. Registrar and Witnesses
A registrar performs the ceremony. You must provide two witnesses aged 16 or over.
They must understand what they are witnessing but do not need to be family members.
4. Legal Wording
The registrar will ask you both to repeat a short legal declaration and contracting words.
These cannot be altered.
No religious content or music is allowed in the legal part.
5. Signing and Registration
After the vows, the couple, registrar and both witnesses sign the schedule.
The registrar then records the marriage officially and you can order your marriage certificate.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan a 2 + 2 + Celebration Wedding
- Decide your approach. Plan two events: (1) the legal 2 + 2 ceremony, and (2) your celebration later with friends and family.
- Check availability. Contact your local register office to confirm they offer statutory or 2 + 2 ceremonies.
Some limit them to weekdays or specific rooms. - Give notice. Book a notice appointment for each partner (usually in your home district).
Bring identification, proof of address and any required divorce papers.
Pay the notice fee. - Book the ceremony slot. Choose a date at least 28 days after giving notice.
Ask the office to confirm the statutory ceremony fee and time slot. - Attend with your witnesses. On the day, arrive early with your two witnesses.
The ceremony normally lasts under 10 minutes.
You will exchange legal words and sign the schedule. - Plan your main celebration. Now that you are legally married, you can hold a separate symbolic wedding wherever and whenever you like.
A celebrant, friend or family member can lead it — no registrar needed. - Order your certificate. After registration, request official copies of your marriage certificate for passports, banking or name changes.
Costs and Fees
The statutory fee for a legal 2 + 2 marriage is set nationally by law (currently around £57 in most areas, including certificate).
However, some councils charge more for specific rooms or administration.
Always confirm prices before booking.
Giving notice costs about £35 per person (or more if immigration checks apply).
Extra copies of your certificate usually cost £11 each.
Tips for Success
- Book early — minimal slots fill up fast, especially in summer.
- Bring the right documents and arrive on time; lateness may cancel the booking.
- Choose witnesses who can clearly sign and understand English.
- Keep photos discrete — some register offices restrict photography.
- Make it meaningful: exchange personal vows privately or bring flowers for afterwards.
Risks and Common Mistakes
- Assuming your celebrant wedding is legal — it is not until the 2 + 2 ceremony is completed.
- Forgetting to give proper notice within the required timeframe.
- Booking an unapproved venue for the legal ceremony.
- Failing to attend with two witnesses — without them, the marriage cannot go ahead.
- Mixing religious content into the legal part (not allowed in civil ceremonies).
In some past cases, couples who skipped the legal step found their marriage had no legal standing.
Always complete the 2 + 2 first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a celebrant-led wedding legally binding?
No. Only a registrar can make a marriage legal in England and Wales.
A celebrant wedding is purely symbolic unless you also do a legal ceremony.
Can we say our own vows?
You may add personal words after the legal ones, if the registrar allows.
But the mandatory legal sentences must be said exactly as written.
Can we play music or include readings?
Not usually. Statutory ceremonies are short and plain.
For music or readings, save them for your celebration ceremony.
How long does a 2 + 2 ceremony take?
Most last five to ten minutes.
You will have a short meeting with the registrar beforehand to check your details.
Can our witnesses be relatives?
Yes. They can be anyone aged 16 or older who understands what they are signing.
What if one of us is not British?
You can still have a 2 + 2 ceremony, but immigration checks and longer notice periods may apply.
Ask your local register office for advice before booking.
Checklist Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Decide to split legal and celebration parts |
| 2 | Confirm your register office offers statutory ceremonies |
| 3 | Give notice (at least 28 days before) |
| 4 | Book 2 + 2 ceremony date and witnesses |
| 5 | Attend, say legal words, sign schedule |
| 6 | Hold your separate celebration later |
| 7 | Order your marriage certificate |
Summary
The 2 + 2 ceremony is the simplest route to a legal marriage in England and Wales.
It costs little, takes minutes, and frees you to create your ideal wedding celebration later.
By completing the legalities first, you protect your rights, finances and peace of mind — while keeping the joy of your big day exactly how you want it.