Getting married abroad

You should first check with the authorities of the country in which you are getting married to find out what legal preliminaries are needed.  Some countries require you to give notice of marriage in this country.  You may also have to produce a certificate of no impediment in order for you marriage to go ahead.  Although this facility only exists in certain circumstances.

Where two British people are getting married in a foreign country and both live in England or Wales, notice must be given by both parties.  This must be done in the district/s in which they have lived for the seven days before giving notice.  The informal certificates of no impediment can be issued fifteen clear days after the date on which the notices were given.

There is no facility for giving notice of marriage where two British people are getting married in a British Commonwealth country.

If a British person is getting married to a foreign national in a foreign country then notice can be given under the provisions of the Marriage with Foreigners Act.  This facility requires the British person to give notice of marriage in the district, in England or Wales, in which they have lived for 3 weeks before giving notice.  Only one notice of marriage is given and a Certificate of no impediment can be issued 21 clear days after the notice.

If you are not sure whether you are able to give notice of marriage, or your circumstances are different from those outlined above you should phone the Register Office for information (Stoke-on-Trent Register Office 01782 235260)

If possible, you should register your marriage with the British authorities in the country in which you get married.  This means that you can then obtain a copy of your marriage certificate in this country if you ever need on in the future.