How to Get a Marriage License in England

By eHow Weddings Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

Want to get married in full British splendor? Then consider traveling to England for a ceremony fit for royalty. Here's how to qualify for a marriage license in the United Kingdom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Be sure you're both at least 18 years of age and not members of the same family.
Step2
File an application with the superintendent registrar, who is in charge of marriages in the district.
Step3
Remember that prior to applying, you must establish residency for seven days in the district where you'll be married.
Step4
Bring proof of identity, such as a passport or other official certificate.
Step5
Produce a divorce or death certificate if either of you has been married before.
Step6
Understand that you'll need to have proof of your eligibility to marry. Call the British consulate in New York City at (212) 745-0200 to ask about obtaining such a certificate.
Step7
Ask for a list of dignified venues from the registrar that have been officially sanctioned in England for civil marriage ceremonies.
Step8
Understand that you can opt to be married outside of the district only if you specify the location at the time of registration.
Step9
Allow 21 days to pass after registration before the marriage certificate will be issued.
Step10
Understand that instead of applying for the standard marriage certificate, you could opt for a marriage license, which requires a 15-day residency before you apply (instead of 7) but provides the license after 1 day instead of 21.

Tips & Warnings

  • Contact the British Tourism Authority in New York by calling (800) 462-2748 for more information about British requirements. Ask how much it will cost, as the fees may vary from district to district.
  • Since there's a three-week waiting period before you can marry in England, consider exchanging vows in Scotland if you're short on time, since there's no wait in that country.
  • Be careful of marriage agents who say they can help you circumvent the residency requirements. If you make a false statement in your notice of marriage, you could be prosecuted for perjury.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/21/2006 Since Feb. 2004, all applicants giving notice of marriage must wait 15 days before they can marry. The only exceptions are in very special circumstances (terminal illness etc) and is at the discretion of the Registrar.
Also foreigners (non EU citizens) now need a marriage visa before they can give notice and marry in the UK. Contact the British consulate. If you are already in the UK a certificate must be obtained from the Home Secretary.
Warning - both of these processes are time consuming, expensive and bound up in red tape. I speak from experience.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I'm an English citizen, resident in the US, and I just about had to go through an act of congress to get married in England - so beware, it's not that easy!

jamesw said

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on 3/25/2007 why is it so hard to marry england? i'm and amercian and fiancee is arussia citizen but live in london and work in london,
can we get marry in london,

thank you
james walters

jamesw said

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on 3/25/2007 why is so hard to get marry in england, i am american, my fiancee
is russia citizen she live in london, can we get married in london

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eHow Article:  How to Get a Marriage License in England

eHow Weddings Editor

eHow Weddings Editor

Category: Weddings

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