United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The Groom in a Kilt?

Getting married in England and Wales

There are special rules that apply to citizens of other countries who want to marry in the UK.

Unless you are, or are marrying, a UK citizen, there are a number of requirements you must fulfill before you can marry in England or Wales. This may include waiting and residency periods of at least 22 days before the wedding in England or Wales:

  • 7 days in a registration district before filing notice of your intention to marry (what used to be called "posting the banns"). If you are not UK citizens, you may both need to be present for this.
  • 15 days after notice has been filed before the wedding can take place.

These rules, along with the documentation and visa requirements for getting married in England and Wales can be found at the Gov.UK website. 

Getting married in Scotland

The rules for getting married in Scotland are slightly different. For one thing, there is no residency requirement. You do need to file notice of your intention to marry but you don't have to be present at the registrar's office to do it. And, in Scotland, couples who are 16 years old can be married without parental consent - making eloping young lovers a romantic - if increasingly rare - option. Find the rules and requirements for getting married in Scotland at the General Register Office for Scotland website.

United Kingdom is the perfect destination for your next wedding event: