Marriage and Civil Partnership in the United Kingdom
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Marriage law in England and Wales has changed more in the last twenty years than in the previous two centuries. Civil partnerships arrived in 2004, same-sex marriage in 2013, opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2019, and the minimum age was raised from 16 to 18 in 2022. The basic rules now:
- You must be at least 18. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 closed off the old 16-with-parental-consent route, in part as a response to forced marriage cases.
- Both parties must freely consent — forced marriage is a criminal offence under section 121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
- Neither party can be already married or in a civil partnership. Bigamy is still a criminal offence.
- You must not fall within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in England and Wales since March 2014 under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. Civil partnerships opened to opposite-sex couples in December 2019. Whichever route you choose, the legal effects on inheritance, tax, pensions, and next-of-kin status are essentially the same.
When does it apply?
- You want to formalise your relationship for legal, financial, or personal reasons.
- You must give 28 days' notice to the register office before the ceremony (29 days for Church of England/Wales marriages).
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders are available if someone is being forced into marriage — the court can make an order to prevent the marriage and protect the victim. Forcing someone to marry is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
- Marriages can take place in registered buildings (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples), register offices, or approved premises (hotels, stately homes, etc.).
What to Do If You Are Being Forced into Marriage in the UK
The administration is more involved than people expect — start at least three months before the planned date.
- Give notice in person at your local register office. Both partners need to attend. Bring passport or birth certificate and proof of address.
- If either party is from outside the UK, immigration checks happen during the notice period under the referral scheme created by the Immigration Act 2014.
- Consider a prenuptial agreement. They aren't automatically binding in England and Wales, but since Radmacher v Granatino (2010) the courts give them substantial weight when both parties had independent legal advice and full disclosure.
- If you're at risk of forced marriage, call the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151. They handle Forced Marriage Protection Orders, which the court can grant urgently — even retrieving people who have been taken overseas.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't marry while already married. Get a divorce or annulment first — bigamy carries up to 7 years.
- Don't assume "common-law marriage" gives you rights. It doesn't exist in English law. Long-term cohabiting partners have far fewer legal protections than spouses on separation, death, or property disputes — a fact that catches people out routinely.
- Don't skip the notice period. A marriage without proper notice is void. There's no shortcut even in genuine emergencies.
Common Questions
When does marriage and civil partnership apply?
You want to formalise your relationship for legal, financial, or personal reasons.You must give 28 days' notice to the register office before the ceremony (29 days for Church of England/Wales marriages).Forced Marriage Protection Orders are available if someone is being forced into marriage — the court can make an order to prevent the marriage and protect the victim. Forcing someone to marry is punishable by up to 7 years in prison.Marriages can take place in registered buildings (churches, mosques, synagogues, temples), register offices, or approved premises (hotels, stately homes, etc.).
What should I do if I am at risk of being forced into a marriage in the UK?
The administration is more involved than people expect — start at least three months before the planned date.Give notice in person at your local register office. Both partners need to attend. Bring passport or birth certificate and proof of address.If either party is from outside the UK, immigration checks happen during the notice period under the referral scheme created by the Immigration Act 2014.Consider a prenuptial agreement. They aren't automatically binding in England and Wales, but since Radmacher v Granatino (2010) the courts give them substantial weight when both parties had independ...
What mistakes should I avoid with marriage and civil partnership?
Don't marry while already married. Get a divorce or annulment first — bigamy carries up to 7 years.Don't assume "common-law marriage" gives you rights. It doesn't exist in English law. Long-term cohabiting partners have far fewer legal protections than spouses on separation, death, or property disputes — a fact that catches people out routinely.Don't skip the notice period. A marriage without proper notice is void. There's no shortcut even in genuine emergencies.