If you want to marry or form a civil partnership abroad, you need to follow the legal process in your chosen country.
If your marriage or civil partnership is legally valid in the country where it took place, it will be recognised in the UK. There is no requirement or facility to register the marriage in the UK afterwards.
We recommend you consider obtaining extra marriage certificates and translations, if necessary, whilst abroad.
Researching a country's marriage laws
Marriage law is different in every country. There will be different rules and requirements depending on where you intend to marry. We cannot give advice on this.
Please make sure to:
- Read the GOV.UK guidance on getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad (they have a tool where you can read specific information on marrying in each country)
- Contact your chosen country's embassy or local authority
Certificate of No Impediment (CONI)
Some countries require a 'Certificate of No Impediment' (CONI). This is a document that shows you would meet the requirements to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. It can only be provided for British nationals living in the UK. It has no legal weight in the UK, and can only be used for a ceremony taking place abroad.
Things you need to find out:
- Is a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI) required? Not all countries require a CONI document. You can use the GOV.UK tool linked above to check if you need one.
- If it is required, does it need to be translated?
- Does it need to have a stamp of legalisation (an apostille)?
- How long will it be considered valid for, after it is issued by the Register Office?
- What other legal preliminaries do you need to fulfil in advance and on arrival?
- Exact venue details required by the authorities in the country where your ceremony will take place
To obtain a CONI, you must book a notice appointment at the Register Office in the district in which you live.
To book your appointment at Peterborough Register Office:
- Telephone: 01733 864 646 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk
We offer appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding bank holidays) for this service.
We charge a fee of £46.50 for this service, which you will need to pay at the time of booking. Please have your payment card ready.