Planning to marry in the UK as a foreign national? Discover the documents you need, visa requirements, how to give notice and why certified translations are essential. Read on for clear, expert guidance.
What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in the UK as a non-UK Citizen?
When you plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, you must provide certain legal documents:
- A valid passport or travel document – to prove your identity and nationality.
- Original birth certificate – often required, especially if your passport details are unclear.
- Proof of address – such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or tenancy agreement.
- Immigration or visa documentation – depending on your immigration status (more on this below).
- Evidence of marital status – usually a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, but can also be a divorce Decree Absolute or the death certificate of a previous spouse.
You must provide the original version of each document – an unofficial copy such as a photocopy or digital scan will not be accepted.
Certified translations: If any of the above documents are not originally in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation into English alongside the original.
Note: If you are marrying in Scotland or Northern Ireland, requirements may vary slightly. Always check with the local registration office.
Visa and Immigration Requirements
Whether you need a visa depends on your personal situation and your future plans:
| Situation | Visa Needed |
|---|---|
| You want to marry but not live in the UK afterwards | Marriage Visitor Visa |
| You plan to live in the UK after marriage | Fiancé(e) Visa leading to a Family Visa |
| You are already legally resident in the UK | May not need a new visa |
Marriage Visitor Visa Key Facts:
- Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
- Visa allows you to marry within a 6-month window.
- You must intend to leave the UK after your marriage (if you plan to stay, the Fiancé(e) Visa is required).
- The cost is approximately £100+.
Important:
A Standard Visitor Visa (tourist visa) cannot be used to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK.
Giving Notice of Marriage in the UK
Before your wedding or civil partnership ceremony, you must legally give notice of marriage.
Here is how the process works:
- Residency: Both partners must have lived in England or Wales for at least 7 consecutive days before giving notice.
- In-person: You must attend a designated register office together and submit your documents.
- Waiting period: There is a statutory 28-day notice period before the ceremony can take place.
- Extended notice: If one or both of you are not citizens of the UK or Ireland (or do not have settled/pre-settled status), the Home Office may extend the notice period to up to 70 days for immigration checks.
Top Tip: Book your notice appointment early – many register offices get fully booked months ahead!
Why Certified Translations May Be Required
If any of your essential documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation.
This ensures that register offices, immigration officers and solicitors can legally accept your paperwork.
Common documents needing translation include:
- Birth certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Death certificates
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bills)
Example:
If you are applying for a spouse visa and your birth certificate is in Spanish, you will need to provide the original Spanish certificate along with a certified English translation that meets the requirements outlined below.
A certified translation must include:
- A signed statement by the translator or translation agency representative, confirming it is a true and accurate translation.
- The translation provider’s full name and contact details.
- The date of translation.
Important:
Without certified translations, your documents could be rejected, delaying your marriage plans.
How to Get a Certified Translation
Getting your documents translated professionally is straightforward:
- Find an accredited provider: Look for agencies or translators certified by ATC (Association of Translation Companies), ITI (Institute of Translation and Interpreting) or ISO standards.
- Submit your documents: Most agencies allow you to upload scans or photos online, using a quick quote tool.
- Receive a quote: Typically within a few hours.
- Approve and pay: Secure payment options should be offered.
- Get your certified translations: Delivered by first-class post.
Top Tip: Check whether the translation agency has experience in immigration or legal translations for added peace of mind.
Costs Involved
Understanding the costs* upfront helps you plan your budget.
Here is what to expect:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified translation (per document) | From £66 |
| Marriage Visitor Visa | £127 |
| Giving notice at a register office | £42–£57 per person |
| Optional solicitor or notary certification | From £225 |
*Costs correct at the time of writing. Costs include VAT. Additional charges may apply.
Urgent or Fast Translations:
If you need translations quickly, expect a slightly higher price – but it is often worth it for the extra peace of mind. For more information on fast translation services, read our blog.
How to Choose the Right Translation Provider
Choosing a trusted translator provider ensures your paperwork is accepted first time, avoiding delays or stress.
Look for:
- Accreditation (Association of Translation Companies (ATC), the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) and ISO certification)
- Clear pricing and timelines
- Specialisation in legal, immigration or marriage documents
- Strong customer reviews
Red flags to watch out for:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Unrealistically fast turnaround times
- Vague or non-binding quotes
- Lack of accreditation or professional standards
- Heavy reliance on machine translation without human review
- Poor communication from project managers
For more information on how to choose the right translation provider, read our blog.
Thousands of international couples successfully marry in the UK each year.
By organising your documents carefully, ensuring all translations are properly certified, and allowing time for visa applications and notice periods, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. You will be saying ‘I do’ in the UK in no time!
Red flags to watch out for:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Unrealistically fast turnaround times
- Vague or non-binding quotes
- Lack of accreditation or professional standards
- Heavy reliance on machine translation without human review
- Poor communication from project managers
For more information on how to choose the right translation provider, read our blog.
Thousands of international couples successfully marry in the UK each year.
By organising your documents carefully, ensuring all translations are properly certified, and allowing time for visa applications and notice periods, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. You will be saying ‘I do’ in the UK in no time!
Why choose Business Language Services for your translation quote?
We have over 30 years of experience providing high-quality translation services, working with many different documents and over 500 language combinations. Our expert project management team are always on hand to answer any questions you may have and can advise you on the type of certification you are likely to need.
For more information or to get a quote, speak to one of the team today on +44 (0)29 2066 7666, by email at in**@*************************co.uk, or use our online quote form.
*Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Requirements may vary based on your specific circumstances or changes to UK law. Always consult official government sources or a qualified legal advisor for guidance tailored to your personal situation.
