What is the process for getting married abroad?

Short answer

You must follow the legal rules of the country where you marry, not UK rules. Check that country's embassy or GOV.UK page first, then give notice locally if required. Your marriage will usually be recognised in the UK if it is legal there.

The process depends entirely on the country you choose. Each nation has its own rules about documents, notice periods, witnesses and whether you need a civil ceremony before or after a religious one. Start by checking the GOV.UK page for that country, and contact the local embassy or consulate in the UK for a checklist.

You will usually need your passports, birth certificates, and sometimes a certificate of no impediment from your local register office in the UK. Some countries require you to live there for a set number of days before the wedding. Others ask for translated and apostilled documents. Give yourself plenty of time, as paperwork can take weeks or months.

If the ceremony abroad is legal in that country, it is normally recognised in the UK. You do not need to register the marriage in the UK as well, but you may want certified copies of the certificate for passports, banks and employers. If you are having a religious ceremony that is not legally binding in that country, you may need a separate civil ceremony. Rules can change, so always confirm with the local authorities and the GOV.UK page before booking anything.