Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad

If you want to get married or register a civil partnership abroad, you’ll need to follow the process in your chosen country.

Before you start

Check the law in your chosen country to make sure you: 

  • can get married or register a civil partnership

  • understand the processes you’ll need to follow

You can usually find out this information from the person conducting your ceremony or your wedding venue.

Apply for the documents you need

You might need certain documents to prove you’re free to marry or register a civil partnership, for example a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or an affirmation.

Use this service to find out what documents you’ll need, how to apply for them and how much they’ll cost.

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Get married or register a civil partnership at a British embassy, consulate or high commission

If you’re unable to get married or register a civil partnership in your chosen country, it might be possible at a British embassy, consulate or high commission instead. This is known as a ‘consular marriage’ or ‘consular civil partnership’.

Check which countries offer consular marriage and consular civil partnership and the processes you’ll need to follow.

Convert a civil partnership abroad

You may be able to convert a UK same-sex civil partnership into a marriage in some countries abroad.  

You cannot convert an opposite-sex civil partnership into a marriage.