Getting married after a civil partnership has ended
You can marry once a previous civil partnership has ended, whether by dissolution or the death of your partner. You bring the original dissolution order or death certificate to your notice appointment, and the standard notice process and 28-day period then apply as normal.
Evidence for a dissolved civil partnership
A civil partnership is legally dissolved by a dissolution order (formerly a final order in dissolution proceedings). You must bring the original document — not a solicitor's letter, screenshot or copy — to prove you are free to marry.
If your civil partner has died
The original death certificate is the evidence register offices need. If it was issued overseas, check with your register office about translation requirements before your appointment.
Converting versus starting fresh
This page covers marrying a new partner after an earlier civil partnership has ended. If you want to marry the same partner you are still in a civil partnership with, that is a conversion of civil partnership to marriage, which is a different, generally simpler process — see the dedicated page for that route.
What this means for you
- Bring the original dissolution order or death certificate — copies are refused at notice appointments.
- If you are still partnered with the same person, conversion is usually quicker than giving fresh notice.
- Overseas documents may need translation, so start gathering evidence early.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.