How do I obtain a common licence?

You need to show either:

• That you have had your usual place of residence within the parish in which you wish to marry for a period of 15 days immediately before making your oath. This means that you or your intended has actually lived there throughout the period either in your own home, that of a friend, a hotel, a B&B or elsewhere, or
• You have qualifying connection with that parish

The minister who has agreed to conduct the service will direct you to a surrogate for marriages or the Diocesan Registrar. You make an appointment with either of them to swear the appropriate oath. When you make the appointment, agree with the surrogate or the Diocesan Registrar what documents or other evidence you need to bring with you to the appointment. You will need to pay a fee which is currently up to £125.00 (£165.00 from 1 April 2012).

The surrogate will send your oath form to the Diocesan Registrar who will issue the Bishop's common licence and send it to you. You must give it to the minister who will conduct the service. The licence is effective for 3 months.

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