Getting Married Abroad: Is Your Marriage Recognised in the UK?

Getting married abroad can be an exciting experience, but you may wonder what happens when you return home. Is your marriage legally recognised? Do you need to register it here? And what happens if you later divorce?

Is my overseas marriage recognised in England and Wales

Generally, a marriage carried out abroad is likely to be recognised in England and Wales, provided it was it was legally valid in the country where the ceremony took place. 

You will not normally need to register the marriage again in England and Wales. It is important to keep your foreign marriage certificate in a safe place, and you may need a certified translation or legalisation depending on how and where it is being used.

Why does it matter?

If there is any uncertainty about the validity or recognition of your overseas marriage, this can affect important areas of your legal position, including:

• Divorce proceedings
• Financial claims
• Property ownership
• Inheritance
• Pension rights
• Rights relating to children

What about religious ceremonies?

A religious or symbolic wedding does not necessarily create a legally valid marriage unless it is legally recognised as being valid in the country it took place.  This includes religious ceremonies which take place in England and Wales as well as outside of the jurisdiction. The requirements vary between countries, so it is important to check that the appropriate legal formalities have been completed with the registrar or officiant well in advance of the ceremony.

Can I divorce in the England and Wales?

If you later separate, you may be able to divorce in England and Wales even if you married abroad. However, where either spouse lives overseas or there are assets in different countries, questions of jurisdiction and financial claims can become more complicated.

Planning to marry abroad?

If you or your spouse have significant assets, international property, have or are intending to have children together or there have been previous marriages involved, then you should consider whether a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement may be required to prevent any issues in the unfortunate event of a breakdown of the marriage. 

Our Team can provide advice on all aspects of family law.