What is a Common Licence?
A Common Licence is a legal alternative to having your banns read in church. It allows you to marry in a Church of England parish where you have a legally recognised connection, especially when time or circumstances prevent banns from being read.
When Might You Need a Common Licence?
You may need a Common Licence if:
- Your wedding date is too soon to allow time for banns.
- One or both of you are British but live abroad.
- One or both of you live in the UK but not in England or Wales.
- There is an issue or mistake with your banns.
Important Notice
Both parties must have British/Irish nationality or settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify for a Common Licence.
If you don’t have a legal connection to the church and can’t establish one in time, you may need a Special Licence or a Superintendent Registrar’s Marriage Schedule.
How to Apply
Legal Connection Required
You must have a legally recognised connection to the church (e.g., you live in the parish or have attended regularly for six months).
Application Process
- Please complete the Application Form
- You will need to provide documents proving your identity, nationality, and connection to the church.
- Email the completed form to Nathalie Southan at exeter-registry@birketts.co.uk
- Book an appointment to obtain your licence
Fees
There is a fee of £200.
