Getting married abroad
If you wish to marry abroad according to the laws of that country, then you will need to find out about the regulations that apply. To marry in another country often involves a minimum period of residency.
Most countries will require you to produce some kind of documentary evidence. To find out the requirements you should contact one of the following:
If you are informed that certificates of no impediment are required then you will need to contact the Register Office in whose district you reside to arrange to give your notice of intention to marry.
Whilst the vast majority of marriages that take place abroad are recognised as valid in this country, they cannot be registered in the United Kingdom.
In certain circumstances, however, it may be possible for the certificate issued by the overseas marriage authority to be lodged with the General Register Office. This would enable the General Register Office to issue a certified copy the document at some time in the future. Click here for more details.
Further advice should be sought from the General Register Office, preferably before your intended wedding (tel: 0151 471 4801).
Most countries will require you to produce some kind of documentary evidence. To find out the requirements you should contact one of the following:
- the relevant embassy or high commission in this country
- the relevant “register office” where you wish to have your wedding
- the Marriages Abroad Section at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London (tel: 020 7270 1500) between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm.
If you are informed that certificates of no impediment are required then you will need to contact the Register Office in whose district you reside to arrange to give your notice of intention to marry.
Whilst the vast majority of marriages that take place abroad are recognised as valid in this country, they cannot be registered in the United Kingdom.
In certain circumstances, however, it may be possible for the certificate issued by the overseas marriage authority to be lodged with the General Register Office. This would enable the General Register Office to issue a certified copy the document at some time in the future. Click here for more details.
Further advice should be sought from the General Register Office, preferably before your intended wedding (tel: 0151 471 4801).