Check if you can marry or form a civil partnership
You can get married or form a civil partnership in England or Wales if you are:
- 18 or over
- Not already married or in a civil partnership
- Not closely related
Same-sex couples can convert a civil partnership into a marriage in England or Wales.
There are different rules if you want to marry/form a civil partnership in Scotland, Northern Ireland or abroad.
If you or your partner is a foreign national
You may need a visa or permit depending on where your partner is from and whether you want to live in the UK after your ceremony. You can:
Choose the type of ceremony
You must decide where you are going to have your ceremony before you give notice.
If you're getting married you can choose to have either a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony.
If you’re forming a civil partnership you cannot have a religious ceremony.
Religious ceremonies
A religious wedding can take place at any registered religious building.
Contact the venue of your choice about whether or not you can get married there.
Same-sex couples can get married in a religious building if it has been registered for the marriage of same-sex couples.
Civil ceremonies
You can have a civil ceremony at:
- A Register Office
- The Wokingham Ceremony Room
- Any council-approved venue - please see our Book a civil ceremony page
Registrars must carry out your ceremony. You will need to book your registrars with the Register Office of the district in which you are marrying.
