How to Get a Marriage License in England

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:

• Travel Guides
• Wedding Rings
• Airline Tickets
• Passport Services

1. Be sure you're both at least 18 years of age and not members of the same family.
2. File an application with the superintendent registrar, who is in charge of marriages in the district.
3. Remember that prior to applying, you must establish residency for seven days in the district where you'll be married.
4. Bring proof of identity, such as a passport or other official certificate.
5. Produce a divorce or death certificate if either of you has been married before.
6. Understand that you'll need to have proof of your eligibility to marry. Call the British consulate in New York City at [phone] to ask about obtaining such a certificate.
7. Ask for a list of dignified venues from the registrar that have been officially sanctioned in England for civil marriage ceremonies.
8. Understand that you can opt to be married outside of the district only if you specify the location at the time of registration.
9. Allow 21 days to pass after registration before the marriage certificate will be issued.
10. 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 [phone] 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.

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