Getting married in the UK involves more than choosing a venue and setting a date. Before the wedding can legally take place, you may need to provide documents proving your identity, age, address, nationality and marital status.
Preparing the right paperwork early can help avoid delays when giving notice, booking the ceremony or updating records after marriage.
Proof of identity
You will usually need to prove who you are before getting married.
Common documents include:
- passport
- UK driving licence
- birth certificate
- biometric residence permit, where relevant
- national identity card, where accepted
The names on your documents should match the details you provide when giving notice.
Proof of address
You may need to show where you live when giving notice of marriage.
Common proof of address documents include:
- utility bill
- council tax bill
- bank statement
- driving licence
- tenancy agreement
- mortgage statement
- HMRC letter
The document normally needs to be recent and show your full name and current address.
Birth certificate
A birth certificate may be needed if you do not have a valid passport or if additional identity evidence is requested.
A full birth certificate can be useful because it shows more details than a short version.
Previous marriage documents
If you have been married before, you may need proof that the previous marriage has ended.
This can include:
- final order
- decree absolute
- divorce certificate
- death certificate of former spouse
- annulment document, if applicable
These documents should be official copies, not informal screenshots or emails.
Name change documents
If your current name differs from your birth certificate, passport or divorce documents, you may need evidence of the change.
Useful documents include:
- change of name deed
- marriage certificate from a previous marriage
- divorce document
- statutory declaration
- adoption certificate
Name differences can delay the process if they are not explained clearly.
Documents for foreign nationals
If one or both people are not British or Irish citizens, extra documents may be required depending on immigration status.
This may include:
- passport
- visa or residence documents
- share code
- biometric residence permit, where relevant
- proof of address
- evidence of immigration status
Check requirements with the register office before your appointment.
Venue and ceremony documents
Depending on your ceremony, you may also need documents connected to the venue or religious setting.
This may include:
- booking confirmation
- venue licence details
- church or religious ceremony forms
- registrar appointment details
- notice of marriage confirmation
Keep all booking and appointment confirmations together.
Documents to keep after the wedding
After the ceremony, your marriage certificate becomes an important legal record.
You may need it for:
- changing surname
- updating passport
- bank records
- mortgage or property matters
- pensions
- insurance policies
- tax records
- family or visa paperwork
Keep the original certificate safe and consider ordering extra official copies if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Wedding paperwork can be delayed by simple issues.
Common problems include:
- proof of address is too old
- passport has expired
- divorce document is missing
- names differ across documents
- appointment is booked too late
- venue details are not confirmed
- original documents are not available
- foreign national documents are incomplete
Final thoughts
Before getting married in the UK, you may need documents proving identity, address, nationality, marital status and name history. This can include passports, proof of address, birth certificates, divorce documents and name change records.
Check the register office requirements early and keep your documents organised. After the wedding, store your marriage certificate safely, as it may be needed for many future updates and applications.