What is a certificate of no impediment and do I need one to get married abroad?

Short answer

A certificate of no impediment is an official document confirming you are free to marry. Some countries require it for a wedding abroad, but not all. You usually get it from your local register office in the UK. Check the country's rules on GOV.UK.

A certificate of no impediment, sometimes called a certificate of no legal impediment, is a statement from the authorities that there is no legal reason why you cannot marry. In England and Wales, you can request one from your local register office, often as part of giving notice. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the process is similar but the exact form may differ.

Whether you need one depends entirely on the country where you are marrying. Many countries, especially in Europe, ask for it as proof that you are not already married. Others accept a statutory declaration or a letter from your embassy. The rules change, so you must check the GOV.UK page for the country you are travelling to. That page will tell you if a certificate of no impediment is required and how to get one.

If you do need it, allow plenty of time. The register office may need to see your passport, birth certificate and proof of address. If you have been married before, you may need to show the divorce or death certificate. The certificate may also need an apostille or translation. Start the process early, because some offices take several weeks to issue it. If you are unsure, contact the register office and the embassy of the country where you plan to marry.