To declare your intention to marry or enter a civil partnership, you must sign a legal declaration at your local registration office. This is referred to as "providing notice." You must offer at least 29 days' notice before your ceremony. The time given as required by law varies depending on when you plan to hold your wedding day. There are two ways to provide notice: in person at a registration office or by post. If you choose to give notice in person, you must do so with the written statement called a "declaration of intention." This must be signed by both parties and taken to a registration office where a registrar will ask you some questions about your intention. You can also download a form from the Marriage Act section of the government's website. You have to give notice of your intention to marry or register as a couple even if you're just living together. If you break up, you'll need to give separate notices of your intention to marry. In England and Wales, it is illegal to marry someone without their consent. Even if you think they might want to get married, they can still make a complaint if you try to force them to marry you. They would not be able to stop the legal process because this would breach their human rights. If you are found guilty of human trafficking you may be sentenced to prison.