A Certificate of Approval for Marriage is no longer required.
If you are planning to marry someone in the UK who is not settled in the UK then due to recent legal challenges to the legality of the certificates of approval scheme you will no loner need to obtain permission before getting married.
What should i do if i want to marry in the UK?
You should first decide whether you want to marry in a Church or at your local Register Office. Once you have decided where you want to get married you should contact them to make an appoinment to discuss you plans in more detail. Once you are married you should seek independant legal advice regarding you proposed marriage or visa application. We are experienced in providing assistance in this area and would be happy to discuss your proposals in greater detail during a one to one consultation.
Marriage in England and Wales
Marriages can only take place in authorised premises where the marriage can be legally solemnised. Venues include register offices, premises that have been approved by the local authority (for example, stately homes, castles and hotels), churches or chapels of the Church of England and Church in Wales, and other churches that have been registered by the registrar general for marriage including naval, air force and military chapels. The marriage of house-bound and detained persons can also be arranged by obtaining a special licence from the registrar general.
All marriage ceremonies must take place in the presence of a superintendent registrar or an authorised person (for example, an authorised vicar or priest) and be witnessed by at least two competent people, who will be required to sign the marriage register. With the exception of Jewish and Quaker ceremonies and ceremonies authorised by a registrar general's licence, the marriage must take place between 8am and 6pm.
