Planning a destination wedding from the UK: the paperwork facts

A wedding abroad changes who sets the rules. The country where you marry decides what paperwork it needs, and the UK side is mostly about proving you are free to marry. Start with the destination, not with the UK.

Start with the destination's requirements

Councils consistently advise checking with the authorities of the country where you are marrying before doing anything else. GOV.UK has a "Getting married abroad" tool that sets out what each country asks of British nationals.

The certificate of no impediment (CNI)

• A certificate of no impediment confirms there is no legal objection to your marriage. You only need one if the overseas authorities ask for it.
• You give notice for it in person at your local register office, as you would for a wedding at home.
• A CNI cannot be issued for weddings in Commonwealth countries and territories. Some countries ask for other evidence instead, such as a sworn affidavit or a "no trace" letter from the General Register Office.
• How long it stays valid is set by the destination country, so time it so that it is still valid on the day.

Will it be recognised at home?

As a rule, a marriage that is valid and legal in the country where it took place should be recognised in the UK. Some couples choose to marry legally at a UK register office and hold the celebration abroad, which keeps the legal step simple and leaves the destination free for the ceremony they want.

Practical points

• Check passport validity for every member of the wedding party against the destination's entry rules.
• Ask venues abroad what they supply and what you must bring: sound, lighting and power standards differ between countries.
• If you are holding a reception back in the UK afterwards, it can be planned like any other UK event, with its own venue, music and production.

Requirements change. Always confirm with GOV.UK, the destination country's authorities and your local register office.