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Giving notice to marry or form a civil partnership

You will need to book an appointment to declare that you intend to marry or form a civil partnership.

Marriage of British Subjects Facilities Acts (BSFA)

There will no longer be any provision to give notice to marry in countries that were formerly covered by these acts and therefore transitional arrangements will apply to couples who have already given notice to marry here or in one of the relevant countries after the implementation date.

For BSFA notices given in advance of the implementation date, for a marriage in one the counties covered by these acts an authority may still issue their certificate, subject to the usual caveats about marrying in these countries. On or after the implementation date, couples will need to speak to the High Commissions of the countries concerned for further advice.

For BSFA notices given abroad for marriages in England and Wales then both parties will need to give notice under the Marriage Schedule System, most likely at a Designated Register Office and may in some instances need to apply for a waiver.

Published: 29 April 2021

Last updated: 18 April 2024