Same-Sex Weddings in the UK: Legal Guide

Same-sex couples can marry in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The law changed at different times: England and Wales in 2014, Scotland in 2014, and Northern Ireland in 2020. Same-sex marriage is also legal in many other countries, but not everywhere. If you plan to marry abroad, check the local rules and the GOV.UK page for that country. A marriage that is legal in the country where it takes place is usually recognised in the UK, but you should confirm this before you travel.

In England and Wales, both partners must give notice of marriage in person at their local register office, usually where you have lived for at least the last 7 days. You must give notice at least 28 full days before the ceremony, and the notice is valid for 12 months. The minimum age to marry is 18. You need two witnesses at the ceremony.

Your legal ceremony can take place at a register office, an approved venue, or a religious building registered for marriages. Church of England and Church in Wales weddings usually need banns read, or a licence. Since 2021, marriages are recorded in a marriage schedule or document that is signed on the day, not in a register book.

Civil ceremonies cannot include religious content such as hymns, prayers or religious readings. Poems, songs and non-religious readings are fine if the registrar agrees. Since 2022, approved venues can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds. Each religious organisation decides whether it holds same-sex weddings, so you will need to check with your own place of worship.

In Scotland, each partner submits a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place. You must submit notice at least 29 days before the wedding, and registrars advise 10 to 12 weeks. Weddings can take place almost anywhere agreed with the registrar or celebrant, indoors or outdoors. You need two witnesses aged 16 or over.

Religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings in Scotland. This means a humanist ceremony on its own is legally binding in Scotland, unlike in England and Wales.

In Northern Ireland, you give notice to the registrar in the district where the wedding will take place, at least 28 days before the wedding. You need two witnesses. Humanist weddings can be legally binding in Northern Ireland, so you may be able to have a humanist ceremony without a separate civil ceremony. Check with your celebrant and the registrar to confirm the current position.

Religious organisations in the UK are free to decide whether they will hold same-sex weddings. Some do, some do not. If you want a religious ceremony, contact your place of worship directly to ask about their policy and any extra requirements.

In England and Wales, a religious ceremony on its own (for example a nikah) is only legally binding if it takes place in a building registered for marriages with an authorised person present. Many couples have a short civil ceremony as well to make sure the marriage is legal. Humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own in England and Wales, so couples usually add a civil ceremony. Check GOV.UK for the current position.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, humanist ceremonies can be legally binding, so you may not need a separate civil ceremony. Always confirm with your celebrant and the local registrar.

Marriage and civil partnership are both legal relationships for same-sex couples in the UK. The main difference is historical and legal: marriage is a marriage, while a civil partnership is a separate legal status. In practice, both give you similar rights and responsibilities, but they are not identical. For example, the way you form each relationship is different, and some people prefer one over the other for personal or cultural reasons.

You can convert a civil partnership into a marriage if you wish, but you do not have to. You can also remain in a civil partnership and not marry. The legal rules for ending a relationship can differ, so think about what suits you best. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to speak to a legal adviser or check GOV.UK for the current position.

Start by deciding where you want to marry and what kind of ceremony you want: civil, religious, or humanist. Then check the legal requirements for that nation. Give notice in plenty of time, especially if you are planning a religious or humanist ceremony, because you may need to arrange extra steps.

Remember that you do not have to change your name when you marry. If you do, your marriage certificate is the usual proof for passports, banks and employers. Order extra copies of your certificate if you need them.

If you are having a religious or humanist ceremony that is not legally binding on its own, plan a short civil ceremony as well. This is common in England and Wales. Make sure your witnesses are aged 16 or over (18 in England and Wales? No, witnesses can be 16 or over in Scotland, but in England and Wales there is no stated minimum age, but they must be able to understand the ceremony. Check with the registrar if you are unsure).