Getting married or forming a civil partnership

• 16 or over
• not already married or in a civil partnership
• not closely related.

If you’re under 18 you need permission from your parents or guardians to get married or form a civil partnership.

For all marriages or civil partnerships, you will need to book a ceremony and are required to give notice.

The government website provides further information on marriages and civil partnerships.

Same sex couples can convert a civil partnership into a marriage and get a marriage certificate dated when the civil partnership was formed. The government website provides further information on converting a civil partnership.

If you’re a British national getting a marriage or civil partnership abroad, you might need certain documents from the UK government. The government website can help you find out what you need to get married abroad.