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
If you or your partner are from outside of the UK, or if you don't have a marriage or family visa, you can find out who can get married or form a civil partnership on GOV.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