Introduction to Getting Married in the UK
Getting married in the UK is a significant legal step, creating a formal relationship recognised by law. Marriage brings with it specific rights and responsibilities, so it’s important to understand what it means from a legal perspective before you begin the process. For a clear explanation of the legal meaning of marriage, you can refer to this helpful guide.
Marriage in the UK is governed by various laws, most notably the Marriage Act 1836, which sets out the requirements for a legally recognised marriage. There are also other forms of legally recognised relationships, such as civil partnerships, which are covered under the Civil Partnership Act 2004. To understand how marriage compares to other legal relationships including civil partnerships, you may wish to explore our dedicated section.
Before getting married, it’s essential to know the key legal steps involved. This page outlines the main requirements, including how to give notice, the types of ceremonies allowed, the documents you need, age and residency rules, and how to register your marriage. Each step has its own rules and procedures, so we encourage you to follow the links to detailed guides on specific topics as you plan your marriage in the UK.
Giving Notice of Marriage
When you decide to get married in the UK, one of the first legal steps is giving notice of marriage. This means formally telling your local register office about your intention to marry. Giving notice is a legal requirement under the Marriage Act 1836, and it helps ensure that both parties are eligible and that there are no legal reasons preventing the marriage.
Both you and your partner must give notice in person at your local register office, and you usually need to have lived in the registration district for at least seven days before giving notice. Once given, the notice is displayed publicly at the register office for a minimum of 28 days. After this waiting period, your notice is valid for 12 months.
You’ll be asked to provide certain documents, such as proof of identity, nationality, and address. For a full list of required documents, details on residency rules, and step-by-step guidance, visit our page on giving notice of marriage.
Marriage Ceremony Options
When planning your wedding in the UK, you can choose from several legally recognised marriage ceremony options. The main types include civil ceremonies (usually held at a register office), religious ceremonies in places of worship, and ceremonies at approved premises such as hotels or stately homes. Each type of ceremony must be conducted by an authorised officiant, with at least two witnesses present, and take place at a licensed venue to ensure your marriage is legally valid.
The specific requirements and choices available to you may depend on your faith, personal preferences, and the location you select. For example, civil ceremonies are non-religious and follow a set format, while religious ceremonies can reflect particular traditions. Approved premises offer more flexibility for couples who want a unique setting.
To help you understand your options and the steps involved in booking your ceremony, visit our page on marriage ceremony options. This guide explains the differences between ceremony types, legal requirements, and how to arrange your preferred venue.
The legal framework for marriage ceremonies in England and Wales is set out in the Marriage Act 1836. If you are considering a civil partnership instead of marriage, you can find the relevant legal details in the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
Marriage Fees and Waiting Period
When planning your wedding in the UK, it’s important to understand the legal costs and timelines involved. There are fees for giving notice of marriage and for the ceremony itself, which can vary depending on where you marry and the type of ceremony you choose – whether civil or religious. You’ll also need to factor in the standard waiting period, which is usually 28 days from giving notice before you can legally marry. These requirements are set out in laws such as the Marriage Act 1836 and, for civil partnerships, the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
Because costs and waiting periods can differ by location and ceremony type, it’s a good idea to plan your budget early. For a full breakdown of what to expect, including up-to-date fee details and advice on managing your legal marriage costs, visit our dedicated guide on marriage fees.
Registering Your Marriage
When you get married in the UK, registering your marriage is a vital step in making your union legally recognised. Without proper registration, your marriage may not be valid in the eyes of the law, which could affect your rights and responsibilities as a couple.
After your ceremony, the person conducting it – such as a registrar or authorised religious official – will record your marriage in the official register. This process ensures your marriage is legally documented, in line with requirements set out under laws like the Marriage Act 1836.
Once your marriage is registered, you can obtain an official marriage certificate. This certificate is important for proving your marital status, changing your name, or dealing with legal and financial matters. If you ever lose your marriage certificate, there are steps you can take to request a replacement.
To learn more about the process, including where and how to register your marriage, and what to do if you need a new certificate, see our full guidance on registering your marriage.
Legal Requirements and Eligibility for Marriage
To legally marry in the UK, you must meet certain requirements around age, residency, relationship status, and consent. Understanding these rules is essential before starting the marriage process.
Minimum Age Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to get married in England and Wales. This minimum age is set by law and applies regardless of parental consent. The Age of Marriage Act 1929 – Wikipedia provides background on how this age limit was established. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, there may be slight differences, but generally, 18 is the minimum age across the UK.
Residency and Nationality
At least one person in the couple must have lived in the registration district where they give notice of marriage for a minimum period (usually 7 days). While you do not need to be a UK citizen to marry here, you may need to provide additional documents if you or your partner are from outside the UK. If you are considering marrying abroad and foreign marriages, there are separate rules on how these marriages are recognised in the UK.
Who Cannot Marry
Certain relationships are not permitted to marry. You cannot marry a close relative, such as a sibling, parent, or child. Additionally, you cannot get married if you are already legally married or in a civil partnership that has not been dissolved.
Legal Capacity and Consent
Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of marriage and freely consent to it. Marriages entered into under duress, coercion, or without proper understanding may not be legally valid.
Relevant Legislation
The key laws governing marriage in England and Wales include the Marriage Act 1836, which sets out the formal requirements for marriage, and the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, which enables same-sex couples to marry.
For more on the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage, see our dedicated guide. This covers how marriage affects your legal status, property rights, and other important protections.
Name Changes After Marriage
After getting married in the UK, you can choose whether or not to change your name. Many people decide to take their partner’s surname, double-barrel their surnames, or keep their original name. There is no legal requirement to change your name after marriage, but if you do wish to do so, it’s important to update your official documents and records.
To change your name on documents such as your passport, driving licence, and bank accounts, you’ll usually need your marriage certificate as evidence. Organisations like the HM Passport Office provide guidance on how to update your passport after a name change. In most cases, a marriage certificate is accepted as proof, but some organisations may have their own requirements.
The legal basis for name changes after marriage in England and Wales can be found in the Marriage Act 1836, which sets out the framework for marriage registration and related matters. While the law allows you to adopt your spouse’s surname, you are not obliged to do so.
Before deciding, consider how a name change might affect your identity, professional qualifications, and travel plans. For a step-by-step guide on the process and what to expect, see our detailed page on changing your name after marriage.
Protecting Your Finances Before Marriage
Before getting married, it’s important to think about how marriage may affect your finances. Many couples choose to set clear financial arrangements in advance to help prevent misunderstandings and protect both partners’ interests.
One way to do this is through prenuptial and cohabitation agreements. These are legal documents that set out how assets, property, and finances will be managed if the relationship ends, whether through divorce, separation, or other circumstances. While prenuptial agreements are not automatically legally binding in the UK, courts will usually consider them seriously – especially if both partners received independent legal advice and the agreement was made well before the wedding.
Taking steps to clarify your financial arrangements can give both partners peace of mind. To learn more about what you can do to protect your money and assets before getting married, see our guide on protecting your finances before marriage.
It’s always a good idea to seek independent legal advice if you’re considering any form of financial agreement before marriage. This ensures you understand your rights and responsibilities, and that any agreement you make is fair and likely to be upheld by the courts.
Family and Parental Considerations
Getting married can have an impact on your family life and your legal responsibilities as a parent. If you are already a parent, marriage does not automatically change who has parental responsibility, but it can affect how these rights and duties are shared. For example, if a child’s parents marry each other after the child is born, both parents will usually have equal parental responsibility under UK law.
Married parents generally have the same legal rights and responsibilities towards their children, including decisions about education, health care, and general welfare. It’s important to understand how these rights work in practice, especially if you are planning to start or grow your family after marriage.
If you are expecting a child or planning to adopt, you may be entitled to maternity, paternity, and parental leave. The law sets out specific rules about who can take leave, how much time you can have off, and what pay you may receive. These entitlements apply whether you are married or in a civil partnership, and can help you plan for your family’s future.
Marriage can also affect your rights to live in the family home. Both spouses usually have a right to live in the marital home, even if only one name is on the deeds or tenancy. If you are concerned about your family home rights after marriage, it’s important to know your legal position, especially if your relationship changes in the future.
For more detailed guidance, explore our dedicated pages on parental responsibility, family home rights, and parental leave.
Related Legal Relationship Options
If you are considering a legally recognised relationship but are unsure whether marriage is right for you, it’s important to know about civil partnerships as an alternative. Civil partnerships offer similar legal rights and responsibilities to marriage, including matters like inheritance, tax, and next-of-kin status.
You can find out more about forming a civil partnership, including who is eligible and what steps are involved. The legal framework for civil partnerships is set out in the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
While both marriage and civil partnership provide legal recognition for couples, there are some key distinctions. For example, the process for ending a civil partnership is called dissolution, rather than divorce. The ceremonies and terminology also differ. To help you decide which option suits your needs, see our guide on the differences between marriage and civil partnership. For historical context, the legal framework for marriage in England and Wales is set out in the Marriage Act 1836.
If you are already in a civil partnership and wish to change your legal status, you may be able to do so by converting a civil partnership to marriage. This process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the required steps to ensure your marriage is legally recognised.
Exploring these options can help you make an informed decision about the best legal relationship for your circumstances.
