Getting married or forming a civil partnership abroad

If you wish to marry or form a civil partnership abroad, you must ensure that you comply with the legal requirements for that country.

You can find information on which documents the country may need by:

You may need a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI)

Some countries require a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI) which is issued by the Superintendent Registrar.

A CONI or CNI can only be issued for UK passport holders. Other nationalities should check with their own embassy or consulate.

Book an appointment to get a CONI or CNI

If you need a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI) you should book a notice appointment in the area in which you are living. If you are a UK national living in Buckinghamshire, you can book a notice appointment.

You will need to bring:

  • the correct documents
  • details of the location and country of your ceremony

You will need to pay a fee for the appointment.

There is a legal waiting period of 29 days after the appointment, before the CONI or CNI is sent to you.

Different countries will impose different validity periods for the CONI or CNI and may require you to give notice within a certain period of time. It is your responsibility to ensure that your notice appointment is booked correctly to comply.

Apostille or legalisation stamp

Some countries require your documents to be stamped with an apostille or legalisation stamp (to confirm that they are genuine).

This must be done by the Legalisation Office, and it is your responsibility to ensure it's done in time. You should do this as soon as possible.

You can see an overview of getting your document legalised on GOV.UK.

How your ceremony is recognised in the UK

If you have contracted a legal marriage or civil partnership ceremony abroad this should be recognised in the UK as long as you have followed the correct procedures of that country, and have a marriage certificate.

There is no facility in the UK to register marriages or civil partnerships which have taken place abroad.

If you need more copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificate you'll need to order these from the relevant authorities in the country of your marriage or civil partnership.