So, you’ve found the one. You’ve probably already saved 63 wedding inspo boards on Pinterest, binge-watched British wedding scenes from “The Crown,” and now you’re ready to get married in the UK. Whether you’re a Brit, a romantic foreigner, or a couple dreaming of a castle wedding in Scotland (who wouldn’t?), there’s one crucial thing you’ll need besides love and a killer playlist: documents.
Yeah, I know. Paperwork is the opposite of champagne and confetti. But hear me out — with the right guidance (hi 👋), it doesn’t have to feel like deciphering ancient scrolls at the Tower of London. Let’s break it all down, with a few laughs along the way.
📋 First Things First: Can You Legally Marry in the UK?
You can’t plan a fairytale wedding without knowing if you’re allowed to be in the story. Here’s the basic eligibility checklist:
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You’re both over 18 (or 16 with parental consent in England & Wales)
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You’re not already married or in a civil partnership
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You’re not closely related (cue the awkward silence)
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You understand what marriage means and consent to it
✅ Same-sex marriages? Fully legal and joyfully celebrated across the UK.
🗓️ Giving Notice: The UK’s Version of “We’re Doing This!”
Before you exchange vows, you both need to give notice of marriage at a local register office. This means declaring your intent to marry in person—yes, even if you’re already deeply committed and your dog has a joint Instagram.
You’ll need to do this at least 29 days before your wedding. Here’s what to bring:
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A valid passport (or birth certificate if born in the UK before 1983)
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Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
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Visa or proof of immigration status, if applicable
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Divorce or death certificate, if you were previously married
🧠 Pro tip: If one of you is from outside the UK, your notice might trigger a referral to the Home Office — they can take up to 70 days to process it. Yep, it’s bureaucracy’s version of “Are you sure about this?”
✈️ Planning a Wedding in the UK as a Foreigner?
Welcome! We love a destination romance. But here’s where it gets spicy.
If neither of you lives in the UK or you’re just flying in for the wedding, you’ll likely need a Marriage Visitor Visa. It’s perfect for couples who want to get legally married in the UK but don’t plan to stay.
You can apply up to 3 months before you travel and you’ll need:
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Your passport
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Details of your ceremony and venue
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Proof of intent to leave the UK after the wedding (like flight bookings)
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Financial documents proving you can support yourself
Here’s the official UK government page for all the details:
👉 gov.uk/marriage-visa
🕊️ Civil, Religious, or Quirky Castle Wedding?
Your choice of ceremony matters.
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Civil Ceremonies: Held at register offices or approved venues. You must give legal notice.
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Church of England: You might not need to give notice at a register office if your banns are read at church.
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Jewish or Quaker Ceremonies: These have unique legal processes but are officially recognized.
Not all dreamy venues are licensed for legal ceremonies, so double-check with your wedding planner or venue. (That clifftop in Cornwall might be scenic, but it may not be legal.)
Check out licensed venues here:
👉 weddingvenues.co.uk
🧾 Bonus Docs You Might Need (aka The Plot Thickens)
Depending on your situation, you might be asked for:
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Certified translations of non-English documents
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Name change proof, if applicable
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Consent forms if under 18
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Visa documents, if one of you is non-UK resident
Don’t worry if that sounds like a lot — it is. But that’s why this blog exists (you’re welcome).
📌 Quick & Dirty Checklist (Save This!)
✔️ Passport
✔️ Proof of address
✔️ Visa/immigration status (if needed)
✔️ Previous marriage certificate (divorce/death)
✔️ Details of venue & ceremony
✔️ Translations (if documents aren’t in English)
✔️ Marriage Visitor Visa (if you’re a non-UK resident)
🧠 Common Mistakes (Aka “Oops, We Can’t Get Married Today”)
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Showing up to give notice without booking an appointment. (Nope, not a walk-in service.)
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Forgetting your visa requirements if you’re from abroad
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Booking a non-licensed venue
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Not allowing enough time for Home Office approval (especially for mixed-nationality couples)
💬 FAQs You Didn’t Know You Had
Can I get married in the UK if I’m not a citizen?
Yes! You’ll probably need a Marriage Visitor Visa, though.
Can I get legally married outdoors in the UK?
In England & Wales: yes, but only in licensed outdoor venues. In Scotland: even more flexible!
Do I need a translator for my documents?
If they’re not in English, absolutely. Make sure it’s a certified translation.
How long does the whole process take?
From giving notice to saying “I do”? Minimum 29 days. But with visa stuff, allow 2–3 months.
❤️ One Last Thing (That’s Not Bureaucratic)
If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” on a misty Scottish hillside, a regal London hall, or an ivy-covered countryside manor — let me capture it all for you.
Hi, I’m Serg, the eye and heart behind Your Happy Moments. I specialize in destination weddings, and I believe your love story deserves to be told beautifully, legally, and with all the little in-between moments that make your day uniquely yours.
🎥 Peek at my wedding photography packages here, and if you’re ready to chat (or just want to ask if your venue is photogenic — spoiler: it probably is), let’s connect right here.
Because your wedding isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a story worth remembering.
