Can same-sex couples get married in the UK?

Short answer

Yes. Same-sex couples can marry in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The law allows it, though some religious organisations choose whether or not to hold these weddings.

You can get married in any of the four UK nations. Same-sex couples have been able to marry in England, Wales and Scotland since 2014, and in Northern Ireland since 2020. This applies to both civil and religious ceremonies where the venue or faith body agrees to hold them.

The type of ceremony you choose matters. A civil wedding at a register office or approved venue is available to all couples. Religious and belief ceremonies, including humanist weddings, are legal in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales, humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own, so you would usually add a short civil ceremony.

Each religious organisation decides for itself whether it holds same-sex weddings. Some churches and other faith buildings welcome these ceremonies, while others do not. If a place of worship says it cannot hold your wedding, there are still many other options available.

You do not need to change your name if you marry. If you do, your marriage certificate is the usual proof for your passport, banks and employers.