Getting married in Jersey
You can plan a Jersey wedding from off-island, but the paperwork starts well before your arrival.
What does “72 hours” mean?
Jersey Heritage describes arriving 72 hours ahead. The current government process requires a joint marriage-schedule appointment 3–10 days before the ceremony. Confirm your appointment before arranging travel.
Give notice at least eight weeks before the wedding. Confirm the ceremony venue before applying. Non-residents should contact the Superintendent Registrar for application instructions.
Nationality and residence history affect certificates and immigration requirements. French and other non-British/non-Irish couples should check their circumstances with the registrar.
Read the full government process and document requirements. Contact weddings@gov.je.
Plan your island arrival
Work backwards from the appointment, rather than counting three nights in a hotel. Leave room for a delayed journey and give yourselves time to visit the venue. Share the ceremony time, arrival details and a local contact with guests travelling separately.
Keep a simple planning folder
Keep supplier quotes, booking terms and your registrar correspondence together. Ask the registrar exactly which originals you must bring. Do not send identity documents to this directory; deal directly with the government office.
For venue ideas, compare Jersey wedding venues or read our castle wedding guide.
Common questions
Do we have to live in Jersey to get married there?
No. Jersey is a popular destination-wedding location for UK and French couples. Non-residents apply to the Superintendent Registrar for instructions and complete the same notice process as islanders.
What does the “72-hour rule” actually mean?
It is shorthand, not a law you can rely on. You must attend a joint appointment to collect the marriage schedule 3–10 days before the ceremony, so plan to be on the island at least several days ahead — and confirm the appointment before booking travel.
How far in advance must we give notice?
At least eight weeks before the wedding, and your ceremony venue must be an approved location and confirmed before you apply. Popular castles and manors book up more than a year ahead in peak season.
How much does a wedding venue in Jersey cost?
Published Jersey Heritage hire prices range from £850 for a simple fort ceremony to £2,950 for Mont Orgueil Castle and £2,850 for Elizabeth Castle. Hotels quote per-person packages instead, so compare the total day cost, not the hire fee alone.
Can UK and French couples marry in Jersey easily?
Yes. British and Irish couples follow the standard notice route; French and other non-British couples should check certificate and immigration requirements with the Superintendent Registrar early, as nationality and residence history affect the paperwork.