
Getting married is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with legal steps you can’t overlook. Registering your marriage ensures it’s recognised by law and secures your rights as a couple. Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony or a church wedding, understanding the process can save you unnecessary stress.
In the UK, certain legal requirements must be met for your marriage to be valid. From giving notice of your intent to marry to ensuring the marriage schedule is signed and registered, each step plays a crucial role. It’s essential to know what’s expected, whether you’re exchanging vows in a church or at a local register office.
By familiarising yourself with the registration process, you can focus on your big day without worrying about the paperwork. Let’s break down what you need to do to make your marriage official and stress-free.
Give notice
Giving notice is a legal requirement for registering a marriage in the UK. You notify your local register office of your intent to marry at least 28 days before the ceremony.
- Schedule an appointment at your local register office. Contact the register office in the area where you have lived for at least seven days to book a suitable time. Each party provides notice separately, even if both live in the same area.
- Prepare the required documents. Bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or national identity card to prove your identity. Provide proof of address using a recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill dated within the last three months. If applicable, present evidence of any name changes or previous marital status, such as a divorce decree absolute or a death certificate for a former spouse.
- Pay the notice fee. Pay the non-refundable fee for giving notice. The amount varies, with most offices charging £35 per person in England and Wales. Additional fees apply if immigration clearance is required.
- Confirm eligibility to marry. Confirm that both parties are free to marry, are at least 18 years old, or meet the specific legal requirements if aged 16 or 17 with parental consent.
- Wait for the notice period to expire. Once notice is given, the information is displayed publicly for a minimum of 28 days at the register office. The waiting period can extend to 70 days if subject to immigration control.
Failure to give proper notice results in delays or inability to register your marriage legally.
Where to give notice
Provide notice at your local register office or the designated office in your area. Both individuals must have lived in a registration district in England or Wales for seven days before giving notice.
If one of you is from outside the UK
If one party is from outside the UK, notice must be given together at a designated register office. These offices specialise in handling cases where immigration considerations apply, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Bring additional documents, including a visa or permit demonstrating legal residency or the right to marry in the UK. The process may involve extended waiting periods, lasting up to 70 days, to accommodate immigration status checks.
Who can get married
Marriage eligibility in the UK involves meeting specific legal criteria. These factors aim to ensure lawful recognition of your union.
If you’re under 18 years old
Marriage under 18 is permissible with restrictions. Both parties must be at least 16 years old. Written consent from parents or legal guardians is legally required in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, no parental consent is necessary if you’re over 16. Local laws vary, and compliance with regional regulations is mandatory.
Transgender people
Transgender individuals may legally marry in the UK. Possession of a gender recognition certificate is not required unless you intend to update your gender marker on official documents before marriage. Your legal rights remain the same as any other couple. Guidance from local authorities ensures your documentation aligns with marriage registration requirements.
If you or your partner are in prison
Marriage while in prison is legally allowed under specific conditions. Written permission from the prison governor or director is mandatory before proceeding. Documentation, such as the completed application form and proof of identity, facilitates the process. The ceremony occurs within the prison facility and adheres to legal marriage requirements.
Relatives who cannot get married
Specific categories of relatives are not permitted to marry under UK law. If such a marriage occurs, it is automatically void, even if you are unaware of the familial relationship. Understanding these restrictions is essential to ensure your marriage is legally valid.
- Direct descendants: You cannot marry your child, grandchild, or adopted child. For example, adopted children are treated similarly to biological ones, prohibiting marriage to adoptive parents or grandparents.
- Direct ancestors: Marriage to a parent, grandparent, or adoptive parent, including anyone in these roles, is invalid.
- Siblings: You are not allowed to marry your brother or sister, whether they are a full sibling or a half-sibling.
- Extended family members: Marriage to a parent’s sibling or a sibling’s child, including half-relations in these categories, is prohibited.
These restrictions apply regardless of whether the relationships are biological or legal, such as through adoption. Step-relations or in-laws may marry under certain conditions, so consulting a legal adviser is recommended before pursuing such unions.
Getting engaged
Formalising your engagement sets the foundation for your marital journey. While not a legal requirement in the UK, it represents a commitment to one another.
If you end your engagement
Ending an engagement has no legal consequences in the UK. Engagements do not carry legal obligations or rights and are considered a private agreement between two individuals. However, if financial or property disputes arise following the dissolution of an engagement, resolving ownership of shared assets, such as engagement rings, may become necessary.
Ownership of an engagement ring typically remains with the recipient unless explicitly stated otherwise at the time of gifting. For clarity, refer to the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970, which supports this principle. Consulting a solicitor may help settle disputes involving more significant assets or financial contributions made during the engagement period.
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements set out how finances and property will be divided if the marriage ends. These agreements offer clarity and can minimise disputes during separation or divorce.
- Seek legal advice
Consult a qualified solicitor before drafting a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement. A solicitor ensures the agreement meets legal standards and protects your interests. Use reliable resources to locate a solicitor.
- Discuss terms transparently
Agree with your partner on how assets, finances, and debts will be managed both during and after the marriage. Cover key areas such as property, investment accounts, and savings. Include any specific provisions needed for children or unique circumstances.
- Draft the agreement
Work with your solicitor to prepare a document according to your discussions. Ensure clear, mutually agreed details are included to avoid ambiguities later.
- Review and sign
Review the draft carefully to confirm accuracy and fairness. Both parties must sign the agreement voluntarily, without pressure or coercion.
Courts can enforce pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements unless deemed unfair. Ensuring that both parties fully understand the terms strengthens the agreement’s validity.
Where can a marriage take place
A marriage can take place in authorised venues that meet the legal requirements in the UK. These include registration offices, approved premises, and religious buildings that hold appropriate certifications.
- Registration offices: Conduct civil ceremonies in designated register offices across the UK. These venues cater to non-religious ceremonies and provide a legal environment for marriage. Locate your local register office by contacting your local council or using their online directories.
- Approved premises: Include licensed venues authorised for civil marriages. Options cover hotels, stately homes, and other locations with approval for marriage ceremonies. Verify a venue’s licence status by checking with your local register office or visiting official government resources.
- Religious buildings: Offer options for either religious or civil ceremonies. In England and Wales, religious ceremonies must be conducted in churches or other places of worship registered for marriage. The Church of England and Church in Wales ceremonies do not always require additional civil registration. For other religious beliefs, ensure the venue holds the necessary legal status.
- Outdoors in Scotland: Scottish law permits marriage outdoors or at a location of your choosing, provided an authorised celebrant officiates the ceremony. Discuss your preferences with the celebrant to confirm compliance.
- Armed Forces bases: Permit marriage among service members on military premises with the required permissions. Military chapels and other designated areas must be authorised for marriage ceremonies.
- Consulates or Embassies: Allow marriages abroad according to UK law if performed at British consulates or embassies. Always verify local regulations before planning your marriage overseas to ensure validity.
Regardless of the venue, the chosen location must align with the legal requirements for a valid marriage ceremony. Always consult your local authority for specific guidelines and venue approval.
How to marry
Understanding the steps for registering your marriage ensures your union is legally recognised in the UK. Whether opting for a civil ceremony or a religious marriage, specific legal requirements must be fulfilled.
Civil marriage ceremonies
Civil ceremonies are a non-religious option conducted at register offices or approved premises.
Giving notice
Give legal notice of your intent to marry at least 29 days before your ceremony. Book an appointment at your local register office and ensure you have lived in the registration district for at least 7 consecutive days before giving notice. Each partner, if residing in different districts, must provide notice separately.
The notice, including your names, address, age, nationality, and intended venue, remains publicly displayed for 28 clear calendar days. If immigration control applies, the waiting period may extend to 70 days.
Documents you’ll need to give notice
Bring the original versions of these documents:
- A valid passport or UK birth certificate (for those born before 1 January 1983).
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old).
- Evidence of name changes, such as a deed poll or marriage certificate.
- Proof of immigration status, if applicable, like a visa or EUSS share code.
If documents are not in English, provide official translations alongside the originals.
If you or your partner are from outside the UK
Partners subject to immigration control must attend a designated register office together. Additional documents such as a valid visa, permit, or proof of settled or pre-settled status are needed. The waiting period for giving notice may extend while immigration status checks take place.
If you need to apply for a visa
For non-UK nationals planning to marry in the UK, a marriage visitor visa or fiancé(e) visa may be required. Apply in advance, providing details of your intended ceremony venue and date. Ensure all supporting documents meet immigration authority standards.
What happens at the ceremony
Civil ceremonies typically take 10–15 minutes and include a statement about marriage, plus a repetition of standard, non-religious vows. Additions such as readings or music with non-religious content are allowed. Rings are optional but can be exchanged if desired.
Signing the marriage schedule
Both you and your partner sign the marriage schedule after your ceremony in the presence of two or more witnesses. Witnesses can be of any age based on the registrar’s discretion. All names and signatures are entered into the marriage record.
Paying the registrar fee
Registrar fees depend on your ceremony venue and location. Fees typically range from £46 for register office ceremonies to higher amounts in private venues. Confirm the fee during the booking process to avoid unexpected costs.
Religious marriage ceremonies
Religious ceremonies blend sacred traditions with legal proceedings and are permissible in registered places of worship.
Marriages in the Church of England and Church in Wales (opposite sex couples only)
You may marry in the Church of England or Church in Wales without giving notice at the register office. Banns are read in church on three Sundays before the wedding or a bishop’s licence is secured. Speak to the church official to confirm eligibility and complete any ecclesiastical requirements.
Religious ceremonies and civil ceremonies
Religious and civil ceremonies differ in format but must meet legal and venue-based criteria to ensure validity. Religious marriages must occur in approved places of worship, while civil ceremonies cannot include religious elements but may feature non-religious personal touches like readings or music.
Marrying outside England or Wales
A marriage performed outside England or Wales is legally recognised in England or Wales if it meets the legal requirements of the country where the marriage took place. Ensure all documentation from the ceremony complies with those legal standards.
If you got married before 27 February 2023
For marriages that occurred before 27 February 2023, recognition in England or Wales depends on the laws in effect at the time of the marriage. Marriages must have adhered to the legal requirements of the country where they occurred and must not contravene English or Welsh marriage laws, such as prohibitions against marrying close relatives or being underage without parental consent. Seek advice from a legal authority if uncertain about the validity of your marriage.
Marrying in England or Wales if one partner lives elsewhere
Specific steps regulate marriages in England or Wales when one partner lives outside these regions. Legal compliance ensures the marriage is valid and recognised.
- Residence and Notice Periods
You must ensure both partners reside in England or Wales for a minimum of seven consecutive days before giving notice at a local Register Office. If one partner lives outside the UK, this requirement begins once they arrive in England or Wales. Notice for the marriage must be given at least 28 days in advance. This applies separately if you live in different areas.
- Required Documentation
Prepare specific documents to give notice. These include valid passports, proof of addresses (utility bills or bank statements), and any documentation evidencing changes of name or marital status, such as divorce decrees or death certificates where applicable. Without these, the notice of marriage cannot be accepted.
- Meeting Immigration Rules
If your partner resides outside the UK, they must fulfil the necessary immigration requirements before the marriage can proceed. This includes gaining legal entry into the UK and adhering to residence and eligibility criteria mandated by immigration rules. Both partners may also need to declare the intended venue of the marriage during notice submission.
- Confirmation of Authority
After giving notice, the Superintendent Registrar issues an official authority for the marriage. This document is essential for the ceremony to take place and is valid for 12 months from the date of notice.
- Religious Ceremonies After Register Office
If you opt for a Register Office marriage, it is still possible to hold a religious ceremony afterwards. To proceed, the original marriage certificate presented to the religious institution will be required.
- Recognition in Other Countries
Marriages conducted in England or Wales are typically recognised internationally. However, verify recognition in the second partner’s resident country through its embassy or consulate to avoid issues later.
Overseas recognition of United Kingdom marriages
A legally valid marriage performed in England or Wales is recognised internationally, provided it complies with the laws of England and Wales. However, confirmation with the embassy or consulate of the relevant country is essential to ensure the marriage is valid in that jurisdiction.
- Contact the embassy or consulate
Reach out to the embassy or consulate of the country where recognition is sought. Provide details and request confirmation of the marriage’s validity under their legal system.
- Obtain an official marriage certificate
Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the General Register Office if an additional or foreign-certified version is required.
- Legalise your marriage certificate
If requested, submit the marriage certificate for legalisation through the Apostille process. This process is managed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to authenticate documents used internationally.
- Check specific documentation requirements
Fulfil any country-specific documentation requirements, such as providing translations officially certified if the documents are not in the destination country’s language.
- Confirm polygamous or proxy marriage exclusions
Ensure compliance with UK law guidelines, as marriages by proxy or polygamous marriages involving parties domiciled in England or Wales are not valid. If the domicile of either partner is in a jurisdiction that recognises proxy marriages, seek legal advice to confirm applicability.
Failing to follow these steps can lead to issues in the recognition process or complications in legal matters abroad.
Marriages by proxy
A marriage by proxy occurs when one or both partners are not physically present at the ceremony. Under UK law, these marriages are not legally valid. However, in specific circumstances, they may be recognised if both partners are domiciled in a country that permits proxy marriages.
- Understanding domicile requirements
Ensure both partners are domiciled in a jurisdiction recognising proxy marriages. Domicile is a complex legal concept and differs from physical residence. Legal domicile directly affects the validity of your proxy marriage under UK law.
- Consulting a legal expert
Seek specialist legal advice to determine the validity of the marriage by proxy. Expert guidance is essential if you are domiciled outside England or Wales in a country recognising such marriages.
- Researching country-specific regulations
Verify the laws of the country where the proxy marriage is to take place. Compliance with local legal requirements ensures recognition under that jurisdiction.
- Preparing necessary documentation
Gather relevant documents, including passports, proof of domicile, and written evidence of the local law permitting proxy marriages. Accurate documentation is critical for legal verification if needed later.
- Verifying recognition in the UK
If you meet domicile conditions in a country allowing proxy marriages, consult an authoritative source to confirm its acceptance under UK law.
Ensure each step is accurately followed. Ignoring legal advice or documentation requirements could result in the marriage being deemed invalid within the UK.
Polygamous marriages
Polygamous marriages are not recognised as legal in the UK if contracted under UK law. If such a marriage takes place outside the UK, it may only be recognised if valid under the laws of the country where it was performed and if neither partner was domiciled in the UK at the time of the marriage.
- Understanding domicile requirements: Verify the domicile status of both partners. Domicile refers to the country where a person has their permanent home or substantial connection. You cannot enter into a polygamous marriage if either partner is domiciled in the UK, regardless of where the ceremony occurs.
- Checking international validity: Confirm the legal recognition of polygamous marriages in the country where the ceremony is to take place. Ensure the marriage abides by that country’s specific laws to be valid locally.
- Seeking legal advice: Consult a legal professional if either partner has connections to a country permitting polygamy. This helps determine how the marriage may be viewed under UK law or in other jurisdictions.
- Preparing documentation: Gather all required documents, such as valid passports, proof of previous marital status, and evidence of domicile, as instructed by the local authorities abroad. Confirm whether any additional paperwork is required to comply with the local legal framework.
Where polygamous marriages are legally conducted abroad but involve UK residents or individuals intending to reside in the UK, limitations apply under immigration and family law. UK law does not extend marital rights or benefits, such as spousal visas, to subsequent spouses in polygamous unions.
Marriages which are not valid
Certain legal criteria determine if a marriage is considered valid under UK law. Breaches of these criteria render some marriages void or voidable.
Void Marriages
A void marriage is treated as if it never took place. These occur when the relationship breaches explicit legal restrictions:
- Marrying a close relative, such as a sibling or parent. For example, adopted children cannot marry their genetic parents or grandparents.
- Failing to comply with legal ceremony requirements, including conducting the marriage in an unapproved building or lacking authorised personnel to register the marriage.
- Marriages by proxy, where one or both partners are not physically present during the ceremony, are invalid if conducted under UK law.
Voidable Marriages
A voidable marriage may have initially complied with legal requirements but can later be annulled under specific conditions:
- Lack of valid consent from one partner due to duress or incapacity to understand the implications of marriage at the time.
- One partner receiving a full gender recognition certificate after the marriage.
- Non-consummation in cases where it applies, except for same-sex marriages or civil partnerships.
Either partner may seek annulment, but if no legal action occurs, the marriage remains valid.
- Polygamous marriages, where one individual marries multiple spouses, are invalid if either partner was domiciled in England or Wales at the time of the marriage.
- Step-relations and in-laws may marry only under certain conditions. For further clarification, consult an adviser.
Understanding these restrictions ensures compliance with UK marital law, preventing complications related to marital validity.
Making a marriage legally valid
Ensuring your marriage is legally valid involves meeting specific legal requirements as outlined by UK law. These steps apply to both civil and religious ceremonies conducted within England and Wales.
1. Giving notice of intention to marry
Submit your notice of intention to marry at your local Register Office at least 28 days before the ceremony. Each partner gives notice separately and provides required identification documents, including a valid passport or birth certificate and proof of address. If either partner was previously married, include documents such as a decree absolute or death certificate. Non-UK nationals may need to satisfy additional immigration requirements during this process.
2. Conducting the ceremony at an approved venue
Hold your wedding ceremony at an approved location. Civil ceremonies take place in Register Offices or premises approved by the local authority, while religious ceremonies occur in registered places of worship. Special provisions apply for weddings conducted in unique situations, such as within hospitals or military chapels.
3. Adhering to ceremony regulations
Follow ceremony regulations to meet legal criteria. The ceremony must include at least two witnesses and the officiant conducting the marriage. Exchange standard vows, which may be optionally supplemented with non-religious additions. The signing of the marriage schedule by both partners, witnesses, and the officiant finalises the ceremony.
4. Returning the marriage schedule
Return the marriage schedule to the Register Office promptly after the ceremony. This step ensures the marriage is registered and added to the electronic register. While a delay in this step does not invalidate the marriage, timely submission is recommended to avoid administrative complications.
5. Meeting minimum legal age and consent requirements
Ensure both partners meet the minimum legal age requirement (18 years) unless an exception applies with parental or court permission. Valid, free consent from both parties is essential, as coerced agreements may result in the marriage being annulled.
6. Abiding by UK marriage law restrictions
Confirm that no legal restrictions prevent your marriage. Forbidden unions include those between close relatives or instances involving a polygamous marriage when either partner is domiciled in England or Wales. If in doubt, consult a legal professional for guidance.
7. Obtaining certified marriage documentation
Request a certified copy of the marriage certificate for administrative purposes, such as changing your name or validating your marital status. This document may require legalisation through an Apostille for use abroad. Check specific requirements with foreign authorities where applicable.
Meeting these criteria ensures your marriage is legally valid under UK law and recognised domestically and internationally.
Bigamy
Bigamy constitutes a criminal offence in the UK if you are married to someone while entering another marriage. Under section 57 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, committing bigamy can result in imprisonment of up to 7 years.
Check marital status by confirming that any previous marriage has been dissolved, annulled, or ended through the death of a spouse. This ensures compliance with UK law and prevents complications during the registration process.
Provide valid proof of dissolution by presenting official documents such as a decree absolute or death certificate when giving notice of intention to marry. Include translated copies if issued in a foreign language, certified by a reliable translator.
Understand invalidity risks for bigamous marriages due to non-recognition under UK law. Such unions are automatically void and carry legal penalties, emphasising the need to establish eligibility before proceeding.
Remarriage/second marriage
To register a remarriage or second marriage in the UK, you follow a process similar to a first-time marriage, with additional considerations based on your marital history. Ensuring that previous marriages have been legally dissolved is essential for the validity of your remarriage.
Verify legal status of prior marriage
- Provide proof of divorce or annulment, such as a decree absolute or nullity order.
- Submit valid death certificates if your former spouse is deceased.
- Ensure all documents not in English are accompanied by certified translations.
Give notice of marriage
- Attend your local register office to give notice, ensuring that both individuals do so separately.
- Present original documents proving your current marital status, valid identification, and address.
- Complete this step at least 28 days before your intended marriage date.
Adhere to additional considerations for non-UK nationals
- Fulfil immigration requirements if one partner is subject to immigration control.
- Provide a Home Office marriage visa or residence permit if applicable.
- Confirm that no legal impediments, such as marrying a close relative, exist.
- Verify eligibility under UK law, including minimum age and mutual consent criteria.
Meeting these steps ensures your remarriage or second marriage complies with UK legal standards and is recognised legally.
Blessing ceremonies
Blessing ceremonies are non-legally binding events often conducted to celebrate a union or reinforce a couple’s commitment after a civil marriage or partnership registration. These ceremonies provide flexibility in structure and can reflect personal, cultural, or religious preferences.
- Choose a venue
Select an appropriate location for the blessing ceremony, such as a religious institution, outdoor venue, or family home. Venues do not require official registration for these ceremonies, as they carry no legal status.
- Engage an officiant
Arrange for a religious leader, celebrant, or family member to lead the ceremony. Ensure the individual respects your preferences and is willing to incorporate rituals or readings of your choice.
- Customise the ceremony format
Decide on the order of events, including any readings, music, exchange of vows, or symbolic acts like candle lighting. Discuss these details with your chosen officiant to reflect your intentions and create a meaningful experience.
- Inform participants
Notify any guests, speakers, or performers of their roles and confirm their understanding of the timeline and expectations. Prepare suitable materials, including scripts for readings or lyrics for songs, to facilitate smooth participation.
- Obtain necessary supplies
Arrange for items required during the ceremony, such as decorations, ceremonial props, or printed programmes. Include symbols that hold personal or cultural significance, like flowers or unity sand.
- Confirm non-legal status
Emphasise that a blessing ceremony does not replace legal marriage registration. Maintain records of your legal documents to ensure recognition of your union under UK law.
Blessing ceremonies can follow or replace traditional celebrations, offering flexibility to tailor the event according to your unique wishes.
Forced marriages
Forced marriages contravene your right to consent freely to marriage. UK law provides protection and support to prevent and address such situations.
What is a forced marriage?
A forced marriage occurs when one or both parties are coerced into marriage. Coercion can involve emotional manipulation, physical threats, or any action to pressure you into marrying. Examples include being threatened with violence or made to feel guilty for rejecting a marriage. Unlike arranged marriages, where mutual consent is present, forced marriages lack your free and informed agreement.
Under UK law, forced marriage is a criminal offence. Individuals forcing someone into marriage can face imprisonment for up to 7 years.
The Forced Marriage Unit
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) offers advice and assistance if you or someone you know is at risk of forced marriage. The FMU operates under the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and can intervene in emergencies. For immediate help, contact the FMU during business hours at 020 7008 0151 or the Global Response Centre at 020 7008 1500 outside these hours. Emergency cases should always be reported to the police by calling 999.
The FMU can provide guidance on preventing a forced marriage, securing safe travel back to safety if taken abroad, and legal protections available in the UK.
Forced Marriage Protection Orders
A Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) can safeguard you if you are facing forced marriage. County courts issue FMPOs, which prohibit specific actions by your family or others, such as:
- Coercing you into marriage.
- Taking you abroad for a forced marriage.
- Retaining your passport.
- Using violence, intimidation, or other methods to pressure you.
- Enlisting others to facilitate the marriage.
An FMPO may also compel individuals to disclose your location. Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years. The police, among other authorities, can apply for this order on your behalf, and you should seek legal advice promptly through a qualified solicitor. Legal aid may be available depending on your circumstances.
Further information and support
Contact specialist organisations or legal practitioners if you require further help or information about forced marriages. For immediate advice or assistance, the Forced Marriage Unit’s resources and contact options can provide targeted support tailored to your case. Victims can also seek legal protection under offences defined by UK law through assistance from solicitors.
How to get a copy of a marriage certificate
Once your marriage is registered, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This document is essential for various legal and personal purposes, such as changing your name, applying for visas, or proving marital status.
You can obtain a copy from the register office where your marriage was registered or order it online through the General Register Office (GRO). Ensure you have the necessary details, including the date and place of your marriage, to facilitate the process.
If you need the certificate for international use, consider having it legalised with an Apostille stamp. This ensures its validity in countries that recognise the Hague Convention. Always keep your marriage certificate safe, as it’s a vital record of your union.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my marriage in the UK?
To register your marriage in the UK, you must first give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony. Both partners must give notice separately if living in different districts. You’ll need identification, proof of address, and any relevant documents, such as divorce papers if previously married.
How much does it cost to register a marriage in the UK?
The cost of registering a marriage in the UK varies. Giving notice costs approximately £35 per person, and additional fees apply for the ceremony. Costs may vary by venue and registrar services.
What documents are required to give notice of marriage?
You’ll need a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and evidence of name changes or marital status, such as divorce papers or a death certificate of a former spouse.
How long before the ceremony must notice be given?
Notice of marriage must be given at least 28 days before the ceremony. For couples subject to UK immigration control, this period may be extended to 70 days for Home Office investigation.
What venues are approved for UK marriages?
Approved venues include register offices, licensed premises (such as hotels), Anglican churches, and registered places of worship. The venue must be legally authorised to conduct marriages.
Can I have a civil and religious ceremony in the UK?
Yes, you can have both a civil and religious ceremony. The civil ceremony establishes the legal marriage, while the religious ceremony serves as a supplementary celebration.
Are marriages conducted abroad recognised in the UK?
Marriages conducted abroad are recognised in the UK if they comply with the legal requirements of the country where the marriage took place. Check with authorities to confirm validity beforehand.
What is a void or voidable marriage in the UK?
A void marriage is invalid from the start, often due to legal restrictions (e.g., marrying a close relative). A voidable marriage is valid initially but can be annulled under certain conditions like lack of consent or non-consummation.
Can I marry before finalising a divorce?
No, entering into a marriage while still legally married is considered bigamy, which is a criminal offence in the UK. You must provide proof of divorce or dissolution before giving notice.
What should non-UK nationals do to marry in the UK?
Non-UK nationals must provide valid immigration documentation and follow specific guidelines, including meeting residence requirements and obtaining a visa if applicable. Seek guidance from a registrar or solicitor.
Can forced marriages be stopped?
Yes, the UK strictly prohibits forced marriages. Victims can seek help from the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) or apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO). Coercion in marriage is a criminal offence with penalties of up to seven years in prison.
What is the importance of a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate is legal proof of your marriage, necessary for name changes, joint finances, or to demonstrate marital status for immigration or legal purposes. Copies can be ordered for official use.
What happens if my marriage is not legally recognised?
If your marriage is not legally recognised, it may impact your rights, tax benefits, and inheritance claims. Ensure all legal requirements are met to guarantee recognition under UK law.
Can second marriages follow the same process as first marriages?
Yes, second marriages follow the same process as first-time marriages. However, you must provide legal proof of the end of your previous marriage, such as a divorce decree or death certificate.
Are there penalties for bigamy in the UK?
Yes, bigamy is a criminal offence in the UK, punishable by up to seven years in prison. Ensure all prior marriages are legally dissolved before entering a new marriage.
Can I have a blessing ceremony without registering my marriage?
Yes, you can have a blessing ceremony, but it is not legally binding. A civil or religious marriage must be registered separately to be legally recognised. Blessings can celebrate or reaffirm your union.