Can you get married but not register it?

A ceremony without registration is often called a blessing, commitment ceremony or symbolic wedding. It can mean a lot to you and your guests, and it can include vows, readings, music and rituals from any faith or culture. But it does not change your legal status, so you will not be able to use a marriage certificate for a name change, immigration, tax or inheritance purposes.

To be legally married in the UK you must follow the rules for the country where you marry. In England and Wales, both partners must give notice at their local register office, usually where you have lived for at least the last 7 days. Notice must be given at least 28 full days before the ceremony, and the wedding must take place within 12 months of giving notice. You also need two witnesses and the ceremony must be conducted by an authorised person in a registered place or approved venue.

Some couples choose a symbolic ceremony first and a short legal ceremony later, often at a register office. This is common when a religious ceremony alone is not legally binding, or when a humanist ceremony is wanted. Rules can vary by country and by faith, so check GOV.UK, your register office or your place of worship before you plan.