Simply Married

Marrying a foreign national in England

You can marry a foreign national in England or Wales using the same notice process as any other couple, but if either of you is subject to immigration control you must usually give notice together at a designated register office, and your case may be referred for extra checks. Extra identity and immigration status documents are required at the appointment.

The core process is the same

Eligibility, the 28-day notice period and the ceremony rules apply equally regardless of nationality. What changes is the notice route and the documents a register office asks to see.

Designated register offices

If either of you is not a British or Irish citizen and does not hold settled or pre-settled status (or another qualifying immigration status), you will usually need to give notice in person, together, at one of a smaller number of register offices designated to handle these notices, rather than at your own local office.

What to bring

Alongside your usual identity and address evidence, bring your passport, visa or biometric residence permit, and any documents showing your immigration status. Register offices vary in what supporting evidence they ask for, so check with the designated office before your appointment.

  • Valid passport for the non-UK/Irish partner
  • Evidence of current immigration status (visa, BRP, status letter)
  • Standard identity and address documents for both partners

What this means for you

  • Your notice appointment may need to be at a specific designated office, not your nearest one.
  • Build extra time into your plan in case your notice is referred for further checks.
  • This page is not immigration advice — speak to a regulated immigration adviser if your visa status is uncertain.

Official sources

Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026

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Related guides

What does 'subject to immigration control' mean for marriage?What being subject to immigration control means for giving notice of marriage, and how it changes the notice route and waiting period.What is a referred notice of marriage?How the 70-day referred notice works under the marriage and civil partnership referral and investigation scheme, and what happens next.What documents do I need to get married?The documents to bring to your notice appointment: photo identity, proof of address, and evidence that any previous marriage has ended.

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.