UK Official Certificates

For you, a marriage certificate is a legal document; for future generations this certificate provides meaning and history to their family tree.

The use of third-party genealogy databases such as Ancestry.co.uk and Findmypast.co.uk has exploded in recent times, particularly with the introduction of at home DNA tests. These genetic tests have the gift of unlocking family tree mysteries, often leading to breakthroughs in their ethnic origins and even finding long lost relatives.

While the use of DNA will help fill holes in your ancestry, it does not place your relatives in a time and place. This one sheet of paper provides many pieces to your family history research.

A Marriage certificate includes the following details which will assist you in your Ancestry Journey:

• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage ceremony
• Name and also the age of both parties
• Occupation and address
• Names of the witnesses
• Name of the person who has solemnised the marriage

Looking beyond the obvious entries, a marriage certificate explains religious affiliations, maiden name and close associations – offering different pathways to continue your family research.

Using Marriage Certificates for family medical history

While it is desirable to gain a better understanding of your family history, the detail in a marriage certificate and also a birth certificate may help you gain insight into your family medical history, also known as the medical family tree.

The details contained in a marriage certificate help to confirm a persons identity. These include the age, occupation, place and even the other parties involved. So, if you are looking for a missing parent or family member to help you piece together you family medical history then marriage certificates and birth certificates are the place to start.

Where can I get a copy of a UK Marriage Certificate?

UK Birth Certificates offers a fast UK marriage certificate service with a guaranteed success.

Regardless of where you are in the world, a Marriage Certificate provides legal proof that you are married, and also of your new martial name.

In the UK to register your marriage you are required to show your proof of your date of birth, nationality, photographic identification, along with current address. These forms of ID are necessary as a Marriage Certificate is a legal document which can be used in the future as identification.

8 Reason why you need a copy of your UK Marriage Certificate:

1. Changing your name on a passport or drivers license. If you have taken your spouse’s surname you will be required to change your name on other legal documents including your passport and drivers license. Your marriage certificate will clearly show your maiden name, your new surname and the date of your marriage.
2. Applying for a loan/mortgage with your spouse? Many banks or lenders will require a copy of your marriage certificate. This allows lenders to correlate your maiden name to your current name and check your individual credit histories.
3. Health insurance and life insurance policies. In the event of a major health emergency or crisis, or the death of your spouse you will be required to present your marriage certificate to receive benefits, coverage or a payout. A marriage certificate may also be necessary when major health decisions are necessary if your spouse is not in a capacity to do so.
4. If you are planning on legally changing your name you will require your marriage certificate when applying. Your marriage certificate will also have to be updated afterwards.
5. Confirming your maiden name.
6. If you are changing your immigration status you will be required to show legal proof of Marriage
7. Taxation. Benefit from tax perks of marriage including marriage allowance along with capital gains tax advantages and inheritance tax.
8. For ancestry records. A Marriage Certificate holds a wealth of information about both parties and an be helpful when investigating your family tree.

What is the cost of a Marriage Certificate in the UK?

This cost of a replacement Marriage certificate with UK Birth Certificates is only £24.95 for standard turn-around. We understand that often you will require your certificate in a hurry; for faster processing and delivery you can choose a Standard Plus Service for dispatch within 5 working days for £44.95, or a Priority Service for dispatch within 1-2 working days and overnight tracked delivery for £64.95.

We recommend storing your certificate in a filing cabinet or fire-rated safe with other important documents, including your birth certificate and insurance.

What information is required to purchase a replacement Marriage Certificate?

• The forename and surname of both parties – required
• The date, or approximate date of marriage
• Place of Marriage – nearest town or city
• Venue – Church or registry office if known
• Names of the married parties’ parents

Click here to order a replacement UK Marriage Certificate

For many, their wedding day has been in the planning stage for months; obsessing over venues, bridal gowns, guests and food. For others, a marriage is simply a way to formally signify a partnership and requires no more than essentials. Regardless of how you choose to spend your wedding day there are actually a few steps that need to be taken before getting married.

What you need to do to get married in the UK

Give at least 28 days notice of marriage

In the UK, in order for your marriage or civil partnership to be legal you need to give at least 28 days notice at your local register office. There is an exception to this

However if you are a British citizen or from the European Economic Area (EEA) getting married in an Anglican church you normally will not need to register your marriage

Documents you will need to register your marriage

As a marriage is legally binding, you will require a number of documents to prove your identification. The register office will require proof of you name, age and nationality; along with proof of address. Many will also require photographic identification.

• Current passport (proof of nationality)
• Birth Certificate (proof of age)
• Certificate of naturalisation
• European Economic Area national identity card
• Deed poll documentation if you have had a change of name
• Current UK or EEA drivers licence
• A current utility bill which shows your address
• Bank statement from the last 12 months which shows your current address
• Tenancy agreement which shows your current address

If you have been married in the past and are divorced or widowed you will need to also take along a decree absolute or final order, or the death certificate of your former spouse.

Once you have registered your marriage, your intention will be displayed in the register office for 28 days. From there your marriage registration is valid for on year for marriages and civil partnerships.

Planning on Marrying Abroad?

If you are planning a destination wedding outside of the UK then you will most likely require a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). This is an official government issued document that clearly indicates that there are no objections to your marriage, you are free to marry.

To obtain a Certificate of No Impediment, inform the registry office when you are applying for your register your marriage.

This document should be taken with you overseas and given to the correct government body who requires this document.