What does it mean to get married abroad?

Getting married abroad means you follow the local law of the country where the ceremony takes place. Each country has its own rules about documents, waiting times, and who can perform the ceremony. Start by checking the GOV.UK page for that country, then contact the local embassy or consulate to confirm exactly what you need.

You will usually need your passports, birth certificates, and sometimes a certificate of no impediment or a freedom to marry letter. This letter confirms you are free to marry, and you can get it from your local register office in the UK. Some countries also require you to have lived there for a set number of days before the wedding.

You may also need to translate and legalise your documents, and have them apostilled. This can take several weeks, so start at least six months ahead. If you plan a religious ceremony abroad, check whether it is legally recognised in that country, and whether you need a separate civil ceremony.

Remember that your marriage will be legal in the UK if it was legal in the country where it took place. But you should keep your marriage certificate safe, as you will need it for name changes, passports, and other official purposes.