Getting married when you are housebound or detained
If you cannot attend a register office or approved venue because you are housebound through illness or disability, or because you are detained — for example in prison or a secure hospital — specific arrangements let notice and the ceremony take place where you are. Each route has its own evidence requirements and needs to be arranged through your register office and, for detained people, the relevant institution.
Housebound arrangements
The housebound person's provisions apply where illness or disability means attending a register office or venue would be seriously detrimental to health, or simply impossible. A doctor's statement is generally required, and notice and the ceremony can then be arranged at the person's home or care setting.
Detained person's arrangements
People detained in prison or held in a secure hospital under mental health legislation can still marry. Arrangements are made with the governor or hospital authority and the local register office, and notice is given following a specific process for people in detention rather than a standard notice appointment.
Involving the right people early
Both routes take coordination between medical or institutional staff and the register office, so start conversations as early as possible. Prison or hospital staff, and the register office, can advise on the exact evidence and steps needed for your situation.
What this means for you
- Being housebound or detained does not remove your right to marry, but it does change how notice and the ceremony are arranged.
- Housebound arrangements need medical evidence; detained person's arrangements go through the institution as well as the register office.
- Start the conversation with staff and the register office well ahead of any planned date, as coordination takes time.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Marriages and civil partnerships in the UK
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
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.