Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK ========================================= [Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/ayesha-vardag) | Founder & President | 22nd July 2025 A person cannot get married in the UK if they are already married or in a civil partnership. If they have been married before, they must be widowed or divorce. Likewise, if they were previously in a civil partnership, this must be dissolved. Legal separation is not sufficient. Marrying whilst you are already married or in a civil partnership may mean that you are committing bigamy, which is a criminal offence punishable by up to 7 years in prison under [the Offences Against the Person Act 1861](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/24-25/100/contents). Furthermore, the second 'marriage' will be [void](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages). However, if polygamy is permitted in the country where the parties are domiciled and where their polygamous marriage takes place, it will be recognised as legally valid in England and Wales. For example, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a man can marry up to four wives, in accordance with sharia law. Therefore, if a man domiciled in the UAE married for a second, third, or fourth time there, the marriage will be recognised as valid in England and Wales. **If you are considering a divorce and are concerned about the validity of your marriage in England and Wales, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Guides -------------- [Minimum age of marriage in England and Wales](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/age-requirements "Minimum age of marriage in England and Wales") [Prohibited marriages between relatives](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/prohibited-marriages-between-relatives "Prohibited marriages between relatives") [Void marriages](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages "Void marriages") [Who can get married in the UK?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/who-can-get-married-in-the-uk "Who can get married in the UK?") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. AUTHOR ------ Ayesha Vardag "Britain's top divorce lawyer" Ayesha Vardag rose to fame for winning the landmark Supreme Court case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, changing the law to make prenuptial agreements legally enforceable in England and Wales. The founder and President of Vardags, Ayesha specialises in high-net-worth divorce, often with an international... [READ MORE](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag")