How do you get married abroad with a solicitor?

A solicitor does not perform weddings, abroad or at home. The legal ceremony must follow the rules of the country where it happens. Some countries require you to give notice locally, some want a certificate of no impediment from the UK, and others need you to be resident for a few days first. These rules change, so start by reading the GOV.UK page for that country.

You will usually need to contact the local town hall, embassy or a registered celebrant in that country to book the legal part. If you want a religious ceremony, check with the local place of worship whether it is legally binding there. A solicitor in the UK can prepare documents, witness your signatures on forms, and advise on UK recognition of the marriage, but they cannot marry you.

Marriages that are legal in the country where they happen are usually recognised in the UK. You do not need to register the marriage in the UK afterwards, but you will need your foreign marriage certificate for name changes, passports, banks and employers. If the certificate is not in English, you may need a certified translation. For any specific legal question, check GOV.UK or speak to the local registrar in that country.