Start by agreeing your budget, preferred date and type of ceremony, then check venue availability before booking suppliers. Your key legal step is giving notice of your intention to marry at your local register office; the rules and timescales differ across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales, notice is normally given at least 29 days before the ceremony, although some couples may need to give longer notice. Check the current requirements and documents on GOV.UK or with your local registration service, especially if either of you has previously married or is subject to immigration control.