Marrying in the UK when one of you lives abroad
You can still marry in England or Wales when one of you lives overseas, but each of you must give notice in person, in the district where you have lived for at least the last seven full days, which usually means the overseas partner needs to arrive and establish that residency before their appointment can be booked.
The residency requirement still applies
There is no exemption from the seven-day residency rule for someone travelling from abroad. The overseas partner needs to arrive in England or Wales and live in their chosen notice district for at least seven full days before their appointment.
Planning the timeline
Work backwards from your ceremony date: allow for travel, the seven-day residency period, the notice appointment itself, and the full notice period (28 days, or up to 70 if referred), plus a margin for anything that slips.
Immigration status affects the route
If the overseas partner is not a British or Irish citizen, check whether they need a specific visa to travel to the UK for this purpose, and whether their notice will need to be given at a designated register office.
What this means for you
- The overseas partner cannot give notice on arrival — they need seven full days of residency first.
- Confirm visa requirements for the overseas partner well before booking flights or a venue.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- GOV.UK — Marriages and civil partnerships in the UK
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.