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Celebrate in Buckinghamshire

Legal ceremonies abroad

Getting married or forming a civil partnership abroad

If you wish to marry or form a civil partnership abroad, you must ensure that you comply with the legal requirements for that country. As well as contacting the authorities for your chosen country you can find information about what documents are required on getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad.

Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI)

Some countries require a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI) which is issued by the Superintendent Registrar. A CONI/CNI can only be issued for UK passport holders other nationalities should check with their own embassy or consulate.  

If you need a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI or CNI) you should book a notice appointment in the area in which you are living. If you are a UK national living in Buckinghamshire, you can book a notice appointment. You will need to bring the correct documents to the appointment plus details of the location and country of your ceremony. A fee is payable for the appointment. There is a legal waiting period of 29 days before the CONI or CNI is issued after the appointment.

Please note that different countries will impose different validity periods for the CONI or CNI and may require you to give notice within a certain period of time. It is your responsibility to ensure that your notice appointment is booked correctly to comply.

Apostille or legalisation stamp

Some countries require that your documents need to be stamped with an apostille or legalisation stamp to confirm that they are genuine. This must be done by the Legalisation Office, and it is your responsibility to ensure this takes place in good time. Get your document legalised overview.

Keeping it Legal

If you have contracted a legal marriage or civil partnership ceremony abroad this should be recognised in the UK as long as you have followed the correct procedures of that country, and have a marriage certificate. 

There is no facility in the UK to register marriages or civil partnerships which have taken place abroad. Should you require further copies of your marriage or civil partnership certificate you will need to order these from the relevant authorities in the country of your marriage or civil partnership.