A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in the United Kingdom

The history and traditions of the UK are extensive. At a destination wedding in the UK, you and your loved ones are sure to have an amazing time.

You can hold whatever kind of wedding you want, from grand castles and undulating hills to charming towns and the elegance of London’s most opulent hotels.

This article goes into detail about how to get married in the UK, including what paperwork you need and how the law works.

What Types Of Marriages Are Possible In The UK?

Both legal and religious marriages are recognized by UK law. Civil ceremonies may be held in a registration office or other authorized location. You can currently get married in an Anglican, Roman Catholic, Jewish, or Quaker ceremony when it comes to religious ceremonies. ¹ Details should be confirmed with the chosen location.

Same-sex couples have the option to turn their civil partnership into a marriage in England and Wales. Same-sex couples are also not allowed to get married in the Church of England or the Church of Wales. However, they can get married in a civil ceremony.

What Legal Conditions Must Be Met Before Getting Married In The UK?

In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 16 years old to get married or enter into a civil partnership. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you must have parental consent if you are under the age of 18. Two witnesses must be present the day of the wedding.

Getting Married To a Foreign National in the UK

Depending on the position of the couple, different restrictions apply to non-UK citizens entering the UK to get married. To enter the nation, you might need to apply for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor visa or a Family of a Settled Person visa

Even if you typically do not need a visa to enter the UK, you will need to apply for one if both of you are from outside the country in order to give notice and get married. Check with the local government in the area where you intend to get married because this procedure varies slightly between England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

What Is Required In The UK To Get Married? Necessary Paperwork and Documentation

 When you’re ready to file for your marriage license, you must bring the following to the district register office where you plan to wed:

• proof of identity (e.g., a valid passport)
• Age verification (e.g., birth certificate)
• evidence of name changes
• evidence of citizenship (e.g., a valid passport, a national identity card)
• evidence of address (e.g., a valid driving license, a recent utility bill, etc.)
• a definitive or absolute decree (if applicable)
• the record of your ex-passing partner’s (if applicable)
• entry permit (if applicable)
• Information about your intended wedding location and date

 The Process:

At your neighborhood register office, you must give at least 29 days’ notice. Additionally, your ceremony must be completed within a year of providing notice.  

If you haven’t lived in the registration district for at least seven days, you aren’t eligible to provide notice at a registered office.

This government guide to marriage and civil partnerships has more information about the application process.

What Costs Are Associated?

You will be charged if you need a visa to travel to the UK to get married. For instance, the application fee for the Marriage and Civil Partnership Visitor Visa is £95.

You must each pay a £35 fee at the register office when you are prepared to give notice of your impending wedding.

If you or your partner is not citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, the price is £47. Marriage certificates cost £11 and are mailed four days after you apply.