What are the rules for a Catholic church wedding in the UK?

For a Catholic church wedding in the UK, the rules come from the Catholic Church and can vary by diocese, so you must speak to your parish priest early. Typically, at least one partner must be a baptised Catholic, and if the other is not Catholic, the priest will guide you on permissions. You will usually need to attend a marriage preparation course, and the priest will ask about your freedom to marry, which may involve paperwork from your home parish. The ceremony must take place in a Catholic church, unless a special dispensation is granted. In England and Wales, the church must be registered for marriages, and you must give notice at the register office at least 28 days before. In Scotland, you give notice to the registrar at least 29 days before. In Northern Ireland, the notice period is also 28 days. You need two witnesses. If one of you has been married before, Catholic rules on annulment or previous marriage may apply, and you must discuss this with your priest. Always check with your parish and the local diocese for their specific requirements, as they can differ.