You can get married or form a civil partnership in England or Wales if you’re:
- 18 years old or over
- not already married or in a civil partnership
- not closely related
- have the correct visa, entry clearance or approval from the UK Home Office
Please visit Marriage, civil partnership and divorce on GOV.UK. to find our more about legal marriage and civil partnership ceremonies in England and Wales and abroad, including if you or your partner are from outside of the UK.
Differences between a marriage and civil partnership
When you give notice you must choose if you want a marriage or a civil partnership.
You cannot use:
- a marriage notice for a civil partnership
- a civil partnership notice for a wedding
In the UK you cannot remarry or form a civil partnership unless your previous marriage or civil partnership has ended, including to each other.
A marriage and a civil partnership:
- cost the same amount
- give you similar to the same legal rights in the UK. Please seek legal advice particularly if you have dual nationality, have assets overseas or are a same sex couple.
Marriage
A marriage:
- is open to all couples
- makes your legal status a husband or a wife
- needs 2 witnesses
- ceremony can be personalised
- is formed by saying words – it is the words that marry you
In addition:
- same sex marriages may not be recognised outside the UK
- you cannot convert a marriage to a civil partnership
Civil partnership
A civil partnership:
- is open to all couples
- makes your legal status a civil partner
- needs 2 witnesses
- ceremony can be personalised
- is formed by signing a civil partnership schedule
In addition:
- a civil partnership may not be recognised outside the UK
- opposite sex couples cannot convert a civil partnership to a marriage