Before marriage, both parties must give at least 28 days’ notice at their local register office. The notice includes proof of identity, nationality, address, and marital status. If one or both parties are foreign nationals, the notice period may be extended while immigration checks are completed. The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 raised the minimum marriage age to 18, regardless of parental consent. Reforms to no-fault divorce were introduced in 2022, allowing couples to end a marriage without blaming one another.
Marriage laws in England aim to protect individual rights, ensure equality between couples, and maintain clear legal standards for forming and dissolving marital relationships. Whether a civil or religious ceremony, compliance with these legal requirements is essential for a marriage to be recognised in law. Marriage in England is both a legal and social institution, regulated by statutory law, case law, and established religious and civil procedures. The English legal system recognises marriage as a binding contract between two individuals that carries significant legal, financial, and personal implications.
