Can you get married abroad just the two of you?

Short answer

Yes, you can get married abroad just the two of you, but you will usually need witnesses. In the UK you need two witnesses, and many countries have similar rules. Check the local requirements for your chosen country before you travel.

Getting married abroad just the two of you is possible, but you should not assume you can do it without witnesses. In England and Wales, a legal ceremony needs two witnesses, and Scotland also requires two witnesses aged 16 or over. Northern Ireland has its own rules, so check with the local registrar. Other countries often have their own witness requirements, and some may ask for more than two or for witnesses to be resident locally.

You will also need to meet the legal conditions of the country where you marry, such as minimum age, residency and paperwork. Some countries require you to be in the country for several days before the ceremony. You may need to have documents translated and legalised. Marriages that are legal in that country are usually recognised in the UK, but you should check the GOV.UK page for that country before you book anything.

If you want a ceremony with no guests at all, you can still have a registrar or celebrant and witnesses. Some couples ask their venue staff to act as witnesses. For a religious ceremony abroad, the rules can vary, so contact the place of worship directly. If you are unsure about any legal detail, check with the local embassy or the register office in the UK.