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General Information on Weddings in the United Kingdom and Eire

All marriages must take place in approved premises in the presence of an authorised person, for example a superintendent registrar, or in a religious ceremony, and must be witnessed by two people who are required to sign the marriage register. Witnesses are required whether the marriage is a religious or civil ceremony.

When looking for venues the more traditional wedding ceremony can be held in religious premises or civic register offices but for those couples looking for something different there are castles, country houses, restaurants, libraries, golf clubs, colleges, arts centres and even concert halls and museums. In Scotland a special licence can be obtained to conduct the ceremony outside in a romantic highland glen.

A civil ceremony held in a different type of approved venue other than a register office can be more flexible in time and be made more romantic using music, lighting, flowers, readings, and poems. Your ceremony can be as formal or informal as you wish in an approved venue with your own choice of vows and promises, in addition to the statutory declarations required by law. This type of marriage venue must still be presided over by the Superintendant Registrar subject to the arrangements for the registrar to attend. A civil ceremony held at any venue cannot contain any religious aspects but, with prior consent, can contain non-religious music and readings.

ENGLAND / WALES

Legal Requirements
- You must be resident for a period of seven days prior to giving notice of marriage
- Notice is given on the 8th day
- Prospective bride and bridegroom has to be present to give notice
- Notice of marriage is granted after 15 days
- The marriage cannot take place until the 16th day
- The notice of marriage is valid for 12 months
- Notice of a marriage cannot be given in advance of one year
- A religious marriage can only be solemnised by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or any other person entitled to do so
- Minimum age for marriage without parental consent is 18 years

SCOTLAND

Legal Requirements
- There are no residency requirements for Scotland
- You do not need to be present to give notice
- You do need to sign the notice forms
- Registrar must receive notice at least 15 days before marriage
- Notice cannot be given more than 3 months in advance
- The marriage cannot take place until the 16th day
- Notice should be given 4/6 weeks prior to date of marriage
- If you are submitting divorce documents or a death certificate of a former spouse they should also be with the registrar 4/6 weeks before the marriage.
- You may be required to meet with the registrar a few days prior to the wedding to discuss the ceremony
- A marriage schedule certificate for a religious ceremony can only be collected by the prospective bride or bridegroom
- A religious marriage can only be solemnised by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or any other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977
- Minimum age limit for marriage without parental consent is 16 years

NORTHERN IRELAND

Legal Requirements
- You must be resident in the District of marriage for 8 nights, 7 clear days
- Notice can be given on the 8th day
- Notice is 22 days prior to marriage
- Marriage must take place within 3 months of giving notice
- A registrar cannot conduct a marriage anywhere other than in the civic offices
- Marriages can only take place in approved venues by special licence granted from the head of certain religious denominations and one of the couple must be of that denomination
- A religious marriage can take place by special licence if one of the couple is of that particular faith and one of the couple must be resident in the District for 7 days
- A religious marriage can only be solemnised by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or any other person entitled to do so
- Minimum age limit without parental consent is 18 years

EIRE

Legal Requirements
- You must be resident in the District of marriage for 8 nights, 7 clear days
- Notice can be given on the 8th day
- Notice is 22 days prior to marriage
- A religious marriage can only be solemnised by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or any other person entitled to do so
- Minimum age limit without parental consent is 18 years

Please note: All non-British citizens who wish to be married in the United Kingdom are warned against marriage agents who claim the ability to procure marriages quickly without the necessary statutory residence. Any person making a false statement as to residency or any other particular contained in a notice of marriage is liable to prosecution for perjury, which carries a custodial sentence, and may well find their stay in the United Kingdom is at Her Majesty's Pleasure and somewhat longer than planned.

For more detailed information on getting married in the UK and Eire please email us at info@redearthtravel.co.uk with the information below.

Date of proposed marriage

Country of proposed marriage

Religious Ceremony

Which religion

Civil Ceremony

Type of venue

No of guests

Accommodation required for guests

Accommodation required for bride and groom

Honeymoon arrangements

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For a quote, more information or to discuss your requirements please contact Marion Deason at: