What are the legal requirements for getting married abroad?

For a UK reader, the first step is to check the GOV.UK page for the country where you plan to marry. Each country sets its own rules, and they can change. Common requirements include a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of address, and a certificate of no impediment or a similar document from your local register office. Some countries require you to be resident for a set number of days before the wedding, and some need a medical test or an affidavit of single status. You may also need translations of documents into the local language, and those translations may need to be certified. In England and Wales, you cannot give notice for a wedding abroad, because notice is only for ceremonies in the UK. But you can ask the register office for a certificate of no impediment if the foreign authority requests one. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, similar arrangements apply, but the process can vary. If you are having a religious ceremony abroad, the local religious authority may have extra rules. Always confirm directly with the local registrar or embassy, and check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date guidance. A marriage that is legal abroad is usually recognised in the UK, so you do not need a second ceremony unless you want one.