Publication date: 04.02.2026
Inga Verdes is a UK-based lawyer with extensive experience in corporate, immigration, and international law. She specializes in company formation, residence permit support, business plans, and legal services for international entrepreneurs doing business in the United Kingdom.
The procedure for marriage in the United Kingdom for Ukrainians has certain specifics and depends on immigration status, the type of visa or temporary protection (for example, under the Homes for Ukraine scheme), the availability of identity documents, and marital status. The topic of Ukrainians getting married in the UK is increasingly relevant for couples residing in the country on a legal basis. Ukrainians have the right to get married in the UK; however, they must comply with local legislation and immigration rules. Having a lawful immigration status is a key condition for registering a marriage.
Question
How can Ukrainians get married in the United Kingdom and what does how to get married in the United Kingdom involve in practice?
Answer
To register a marriage in the United Kingdom, both parties must contact the local registry authority, as Register Office marriage is the official procedure at the place of residence, and submit Notice of Marriage UK. Both partners must attend in person and provide documents confirming their identity, age, marital status, and lawful residence in the country. After submitting the notice, a waiting period is established (usually 28 days), after which, if there are no objections, the marriage may be registered on the scheduled date.
Marriage procedure for Ukrainians in the UK:
For Ukrainians getting married in the UK, it is necessary to have a valid international passport, proof of lawful stay (visa, biometric residence permit, or digital status), and documents confirming marital status (a certificate of no impediment to marriage or documents confirming the dissolution of a previous marriage). In some cases, official translations of documents into English may be required.
If one of the partners is not a UK citizen, the Register Office may pass the information to immigration authorities to verify compliance with immigration requirements. This is a standard procedure and does not automatically mean a refusal to register the marriage.
It is important to note that marriage in the United Kingdom for Ukrainians does not automatically grant the right to permanent residence in the United Kingdom. To legalize one’s status after marriage, it may be necessary to submit a separate application for an appropriate visa or a change of immigration status. It is also advisable to check in advance the requirements for translations, apostille of Ukrainian documents, and their validity periods.
Question
What should you do in case of refusal or problems with marriage registration?
Answer
If the Register Office refuses to accept documents or if difficulties arise due to immigration status, it is advisable to seek advice from an immigration lawyer. A specialist can help identify the reasons for refusal, prepare the necessary documents, properly submit applications, and, if necessary, challenge the actions of the authorities or propose a lawful alternative solution.
Below are the main services an immigration lawyer can provide to Ukrainians in the UK:
- Consultations on marriage registration requirements and UK legal regulations.
- Review of the document package and preparation of certified translations.
- Support during submission of Notice of Marriage UK and communication with the Register Office.
- Assistance with immigration status issues after marriage.
- Challenging refusals or delays related to checks and verifications.
Typical situations where legal assistance is needed:
Lack of a complete set of documents or non-compliance with UK requirements.
Problems with confirming lawful residence in the United Kingdom.
Delays in processing Notice of Marriage UK due to additional checks.
Questions regarding further legalization of stay after marriage.
Marriage in the United Kingdom for Ukrainians is fully possible provided that UK legal and immigration requirements are met. Proper document preparation, timely contact with the Register Office, and understanding how to get married in the United Kingdom in terms of legal procedures will help avoid unnecessary delays and refusals. In complex cases, involving an immigration lawyer is advisable to protect your rights and complete the process with minimal risk.
