In the United Kingdom, marriage and civil partnership processes vary by location and status. Whether you're a UK resident or coming from abroad, this guide provides the step-by-step information needed to successfully marry or enter a civil partnership in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can You Marry or Enter a Civil Partnership in the UK?
To marry or enter a civil partnership in England or Wales, you must meet certain legal criteria, including:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not already married or in a civil partnership
- Not closely related to your partner
In England and Wales, same-sex couples can convert civil partnerships into marriages by registering the conversion with the civil partnership office. Additional rules apply if you wish to marry or form a civil partnership in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or overseas.
Note: Individuals under 18 require parental or guardian consent to marry or form a civil partnership.
Marriages and Civil Partnerships
Marriage and Civil Partnership Requirements for Non-UK Residents
If you or your partner are not UK or Irish citizens, you must apply for the appropriate visa. Required documents and visa types depend on your nationality and the length of stay:
- Marriage Visitor Visa – For stays under six months without permanent residency.
- Family Visa – For those planning to live in the UK permanently. This applies if your partner is a British citizen, settled in the UK, or holds refugee status.
- Family Permit – Allows EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens to bring family members to the UK.
Without a Marriage Visitor Visa or Family Visa, you cannot legally marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. It’s important to declare your intent to the Home Office, which may investigate your relationship. This investigation can delay marriage or civil partnership registration by up to 70 days.
Planning Your Marriage or Civil Partnership Ceremony
Before providing notice of intent, you must choose your ceremony location. You’ll have two options:
- Civil Ceremony – Conducted at a registry office or licensed venue.
- Religious Ceremony – Available for marriage only (not civil partnerships).
Fees: Register office ceremonies start at £46; religious venues may charge around £86 or more depending on location.
Each ceremony requires at least two witnesses and a registrar to oversee proceedings. Some venues can provide a registrar, or you can arrange one independently.
Giving Notice for Marriage or Civil Partnership
What is Giving Notice?
Giving notice is a legal declaration at your local register office where you express your intention to marry or form a civil partnership. This must be done at least 29 days before your ceremony and provides your chosen venue as the ceremony location. You then have 12 months to complete the marriage or civil partnership after giving notice.
For example, if you give notice on May 1, the earliest possible ceremony date is May 30.
Where to Give Notice
To give notice, book an appointment at your local register office, and ensure you’ve resided in the registration district for at least seven days prior. If you and your partner live in different districts, each must give notice at their respective offices.
Special Conditions for Non-UK Residents
If one partner isn’t from the UK, both must give notice together if:
- Neither has UK citizenship.
- Neither has settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (if applied for by June 30, 2021).
In cases where prior notice was given separately before July 1, 2021, re-notification may be required.
Documents Needed to Give Notice
When giving notice, you must provide original documents to confirm identity, address, and marital status. Necessary documents include:
- Venue Information: Name and address of the planned ceremony location.
- Proof of Identity: Passport or UK birth certificate (for those born before January 1, 1983).
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bill, council tax bill, or UK driving license.
- Name Change Evidence (if applicable): A deed poll or similar document.
Additional documents may include:
- If previously married or in a civil partnership: Provide either a decree absolute (divorce), final dissolution (civil partnership), or a death certificate for a former partner.
- If divorce or dissolution occurred outside the UK: You may need to pay a verification fee (£50 if reviewed by a local office or £75 if the General Register Office assesses it).
For those with EU settled status, evidence includes a share code from the “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service or a certificate of application (for pending cases).
Preparing for the Ceremony
Choosing Your Ceremony Type
- Marriage: Religious or civil ceremony options are available.
- Civil Partnership: No religious ceremony; however, a religious blessing may follow a civil ceremony if desired.
Ceremony Structure
During the ceremony:
- Marriage ceremonies typically include vows; check with the officiant if you have additional wording in mind.
- Civil partnerships do not require vows, though they are optional.
- Readings, music, or songs can be incorporated but must exclude religious content during civil ceremonies.
Each couple must sign either a marriage schedule or civil partnership document at the ceremony, often including up to four witnesses.
FAQs on Marrying or Forming a Civil Partnership in the UK
1. What happens if I miss the 29-day notice period?
You’ll need to reschedule the ceremony after providing notice again, as it is legally required before marriage or civil partnership.
2. Can I get married or form a civil partnership without being a UK citizen?
Yes, but you’ll need the correct visa (Marriage Visitor or Family Visa). Non-UK citizens may face delays due to Home Office investigations.
3. Are there specific requirements for a same-sex civil partnership?
Yes. Same-sex couples in England and Wales can convert a civil partnership into a marriage if desired.
4. Can I have both a religious and a civil ceremony?
Civil partnerships cannot include a religious ceremony, but a religious blessing may follow a civil ceremony. In a marriage, you may choose either religious or civil formats.
5. Is it possible to cancel or reschedule a ceremony after giving notice?
Yes, but you must notify the register office and may need to repeat the notice process if delayed over 12 months.
Disclaimer: This guide is general advice. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, consult your local registry office or legal advisor.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the process of marriage or civil partnership registration in the UK, ensuring all legal and practical requirements are fulfilled.
