Marriage and Civil Partnerships in England and Wales

Eligibility for Marriage and Civil Partnership in England and Wales

You are eligible to get married or enter into a civil partnership in England or Wales if you meet the following criteria:

You are 16 years old or older.
You are not currently married or in a civil partnership.
You are not closely related to your intended partner.

Marriage and Civil Partnership Regulations in Different Regions

When it comes to marriage and civil partnership, regulations differ in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and abroad. Additionally, if you are under 18 and wish to marry or form a civil partnership in England or Wales, parental or guardian permission is required.

Visa and Permit Requirements

If you or your partner are not British or Irish citizens or do not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, you may need a visa or permit to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. The specific type of visa or permit depends on your partner's nationality and your plans for residing in the UK after the ceremony.

Types of Visas and Permits

Marriage Visitor Visa: Required if you plan to stay in the UK for less than 6 months and will not be residing in the country.
Family Visa: Needed if you intend to live permanently in the UK with a British citizen, someone settled in the UK, a person with refugee status, or someone with humanitarian protection.
Family Permit: Necessary if you wish to join a family member from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland in the UK.

Giving Notice Without a Visa

Even if you do not possess a marriage visitor visa or family visa, you can still give notice of your intention to marry or form a civil partnership. However, the Home Office may inquire about your relationship, and there may be a waiting period of up to 70 days before the ceremony. In certain cases, the Home Office may decline your notice, preventing you from marrying or forming a civil partnership in the UK.