Need a replacement marriage certificate? UK Official Certificates provides a simple online service for ordering a certified copy of a UK marriage certificate.
We have helped more than 300,000 customers with marriage certificate applications. Our experienced team checks the information you provide and helps identify any errors or missing details before your application is processed.
Whether your original marriage certificate has been lost, damaged or you simply need another copy, you can complete the application online in just a few minutes.
UK Official Certificates is a private certificate ordering service. The certificate itself is issued by the relevant official authority.
Apply for a Replacement Marriage Certificate
Complete the application form below with the details of the marriage. You will then be able to choose the service speed that suits you.
We cover marriages registered in:
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
The form can also be used for certain marriages registered in the Republic of Ireland or overseas where the event was reported to the British authorities.
What Information Do I Need?
To help us locate the correct marriage record, you will need to provide as much information as possible.
This normally includes:
- The full name of the groom
- The bride’s full name before marriage
- The date of the marriage
- The place where the marriage took place
- The church, registry office or other venue, if known
Don’t worry if you are unsure about every detail. Enter as much information as you can, and our team will check the application before processing it.
Do I Need to Send Identification or Documents?
No physical documents are normally required for the application.
The details you provide on the form are used to help identify the correct marriage record. Providing accurate information wherever possible can help prevent delays.
How Does the Service Work?
Ordering a replacement marriage certificate is straightforward.
1. Complete the online application
Enter the details of the marriage and check that the names and dates are correct.
2. Choose your service
Select the service speed you require during the application.
3. We check your information
Our team checks the information supplied and uses it to help locate the correct record.
4. Your certificate is processed
Once the application has been completed, the certified copy is processed and sent to the delivery address you provide.
How Quickly Will I Receive My Marriage Certificate?
You can choose the service that best suits your needs during the application.
Our current options include:
Standard – dispatched within 10 working days.
Express – dispatched within 5 working days.
Urgent – dispatched within 1–2 working days to UK addresses using Royal Mail Special Delivery.
The time shown is the dispatch time, not the delivery time. Orders are processed on working days, Monday to Friday, and our current weekday cut-off time is 2:30pm.
What If I Have Lost My Marriage Certificate?
There is no need to worry if your original marriage certificate has been lost or damaged.
A replacement certified copy can be ordered using the details of the original marriage. You do not need to have the original document in your possession to make an application.
A replacement certificate can be useful when you need to prove your marriage for official purposes, including matters involving a previous surname, legal records, financial matters or other formal applications.
Can I Order a Marriage Certificate for Someone Else?
Marriage records are public records, so it may be possible to order a copy for another person.
You can use our online application when you need a copy of a marriage certificate belonging to someone else, provided you can supply the information needed to identify the record.
Can I Order a Marriage Certificate for Use Overseas?
Yes.
If your marriage certificate is required for use outside the UK, you can request an apostille or legalisation service through the application where available.
An apostille is an additional service and takes longer to process than the certificate itself. You should check with the organisation or authority in the country where the document will be used to confirm whether an apostille or further legalisation is required.
What Information Is Shown on a Marriage Certificate?
The information shown depends on the age and type of marriage record.
A marriage certificate can include details such as the names of the couple, their ages or occupations, the place and date of marriage, addresses and details relating to their parents and witnesses.
The format of marriage certificates has changed over time, so older certificates may contain different information from more recent certificates.
How Far Back Can I Order a Marriage Certificate?
Marriage registration records go back many years.
For England and Wales, civil registration of marriages began in 1837. Marriage registration began in Scotland in 1855 and in Northern Ireland in 1864.
If you are ordering a historic marriage certificate, provide as much information as possible about the marriage so that the correct record can be identified.
Why Use UK Official Certificates?
We have been helping customers obtain UK certificates for more than 15 years and have processed more than 300,000 marriage certificate applications.
Our service is designed to make the ordering process straightforward.
We check the information you provide, help identify errors or missing details where possible, and provide different service speeds depending on how quickly you need your certificate.
Our customer service team is available by phone, email and website chat if you need assistance with your application.
Replacement Marriage Certificate FAQs
How do I get a copy of my UK marriage certificate?
Complete the online application form on this page and provide the details of the marriage. You can then choose the service speed you require.
How much does a replacement marriage certificate cost?
The price depends on the service you select. Current prices are shown within the application form before you complete your order.
How long does a replacement marriage certificate take?
Our current service options are Standard, Express and Urgent. The applicable dispatch time is shown in the application form.
What happens if I have lost my original marriage certificate?
You can order a replacement certified copy using the details of the original marriage. The original certificate does not need to be available.
Do I need to send ID?
No physical identification documents are normally required. You will need to provide enough information about the marriage for the relevant record to be identified.
Can I order someone else’s marriage certificate?
Marriage records are public records, so a copy can generally be requested by someone other than the people named on the certificate.
Can I order a marriage certificate after divorce?
Yes. A divorce does not remove the original marriage record. A copy of the marriage certificate can still be ordered when needed.
Can I use my replacement marriage certificate for official purposes?
The certificate supplied through the relevant official registration authority is a certified copy of the marriage record and can be used where a certified marriage certificate is required.
Can I order a certificate for use abroad?
Yes. Depending on your requirements, apostille or legalisation services may also be available.
What if I do not know the exact date of the marriage?
Enter the best information you have. An approximate date can be provided where the exact date is not known.
What if some of the information is missing?
Provide as much information as possible. Our team will check the application and use the information supplied to help identify the correct record.
How do I contact you?
You can contact UK Official Certificates by telephone, email or through the website chat service if you need help with your application.
What other services do you offer?
We offer certificates for adoption, birth, death or marriage. We don’t currently offer a civil partnership certificate service. For further information visit our home page.