Simply MarriedEngland & Wales

Can you marry a step-relative or in-law?

Marriage between some step-relatives and former in-laws is legally possible in England and Wales, but only where specific age and family conditions are met, and it is not open to everyone in these categories. Blood relatives covered by the prohibited degrees, such as siblings or parents and children, cannot marry regardless of circumstances.

Step-relatives

Marriage between a step-parent and step-child is permitted only once both are over a set minimum age and the younger party was not raised as a child of the family by the older party before turning 18.

Because this involves individual assessment, register offices treat these cases carefully and may need to see additional evidence before accepting notice.

In-laws

Marrying a former parent-in-law or child-in-law is possible once both previous marriages that created the relationship have ended and any children of that relationship are adults.

As with step-relative marriages, this is treated as a special case, so contact the register office in good time to confirm what evidence they will need.

What is never permitted

The prohibited degrees still rule out marriage between direct blood relatives — parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren — with no exceptions.

What this means for you

  • If your relationship falls into one of these categories, contact your register office well before booking to check the evidence they require.
  • Do not assume a step or in-law relationship is automatically barred — but do not assume it is automatically allowed either.

Official sources

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

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Prohibited degrees of relationship for marriageWhich family relationships legally prevent two people from marrying each other in England and Wales, and where the rules allow exceptions.Capacity to consent to marriageBoth people marrying must understand what marriage means and consent freely. Here is what that means in practice at a notice appointment.What is the minimum age to marry in England and Wales?The minimum legal age for marriage in England and Wales is 18, with no exceptions for parental consent since the law changed.

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.