Marriage in England
Marriage is a solemn and important milestone in the life of any couple. The procedure for getting married in the UK may seem complicated due to the variety of rules and requirements, but having a clear understanding of all the stages will help prepare for this special day without unnecessary worries. Whether a civil ceremony, church wedding, or another religious ceremony is planned, there are general steps that must be followed for a successful marriage in the UK. This includes submitting a notice of intent to marry, choosing the place and date of the ceremony, and complying with all legal requirements.
It is important to consider that the procedure for marriage for foreign citizens may have additional steps and requirements, such as obtaining the appropriate visas and documents. Therefore, planning and preparation are key elements to avoid unforeseen situations.
Plan Ahead
In the UK, you need to give notice of your intent to marry in advance. You must decide on the place where the marriage or civil partnership will take place before submitting the notice.
To submit this notice, you must sign a declaration at the local civil registry office stating your intention to marry or form a civil partnership. The declaration must specify the place of the ceremony (the official part, i.e., the signing). The marriage must take place within 12 months of giving this "notice".
Documents Required for Submitting the Notice:
- Details of the final place of the ceremony;
- Valid passport;
- Proof of home address (this could be a driving license, utility bill from the last 3 months, bank statement from the last month, current rental agreement, letter from the landlord (dated within the last 7 calendar days) with the landlord's name, address, and signature);
- Proof of any name changes, if applicable (e.g., a copy of the deed poll);
- Divorce certificate (if applicable);
- Death certificate of a former partner (if applicable).
Foreign citizens also need the following documents:
- Photo of each of the future spouses (even if only one is outside the UK);
- Proof of current immigration status (e.g., visa);
- Translation of documents into English;
- Confirmation of Pre-Settled or Settled status. This confirmation is a "share code", which must be taken with you. You can get the code using a UKVI account, and this confirmation will be valid for 30 days;
- Application to the EU Settlement Scheme submitted no later than June 30, 2021 – you need to have proof of application with you.
Difference Between Religious and Civil Ceremonies
When getting married, you can choose a religious or civil ceremony. If a civil partnership is being formed, a religious ceremony (blessing) is not required.
Religious Ceremony. It can be held in any registered religious building. Same-sex couples can marry in a religious building if it is registered for same-sex marriages (this is not allowed in the Anglican Church). An authorized person, such as a religious minister, must be present at the ceremony and sign the "marriage document".
Civil Ceremony. This can be held at the registry office or any location approved by the local council, such as a house or hotel, but there must be at least 2 witnesses during the marriage process. An authorized person must conduct or be present at the ceremony. You can arrange for a wedding registrar yourself.
Experts from the "Consultant" marketplace will help you understand the marriage procedure in England, gather the necessary documents, ensure compliance with all legal requirements, and provide consultations on visa issues, as well as the rights and obligations of the spouses.
