How dual nationality affects getting married
Holding dual nationality does not change the core marriage requirements — you still need to be 18 or over, free to marry and able to give notice in person. What it can affect is which passport you present as identity evidence and whether the immigration control rules apply, which depends on your actual UK immigration status rather than your other nationality.
Which passport to use
You can generally use whichever valid passport you hold as identity evidence, but using your British or Irish passport, if you have one, is usually simplest since it avoids questions about immigration status.
Immigration status still depends on the facts
If you are not a British or Irish citizen — even if you hold a third nationality that has visa-free access — your UK immigration status is what determines whether you are treated as subject to immigration control for notice purposes.
Name and document consistency
If your two passports show slightly different names or details, bring both along with any documents linking them, since register offices need consistent identity evidence.
What this means for you
- Decide in advance which passport you will present, and bring both if the names differ.
- Do not assume a second, more convenient nationality changes your UK immigration status for notice purposes.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- GOV.UK — Marriage and civil partnership referral and investigation scheme
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
See which documents you'll need
Answer a few quick questions and we'll list the documents your circumstances actually require — including the ones that take weeks to replace.
See my documents60 seconds · Free · No account needed
Related guides
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.