Who can get married in the UK? ============================== WHo can get married in the uk? ------------------------------ Any couple may get married in the UK in a civil or religious ceremony, provided that they are: > - Over 18 > - Not closely related (read the [list of prohibited relatives here](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/prohibited-marriages-between-relatives)) > - Not already married **If you are considering or going through a divorce and are concerned about the legal validity of your marriage, 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") ### age and consent Following the [Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/28), a person must now be at least 18 years' old before they can get married in the UK. Previously, parties could marry if they were 16 or 17 provided that they had parental consent. This change was widely welcomed, particularly from women's charities and activists against forced marriage. The law now states that a marriage where either party is under 18 is automatically considered a [forced marriage](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/forced-marriage). You can learn more about the background of this reform by reading [our guide on the new age requirement to marry](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/age-requirements). A marriage will also be considered a forced marriage if either party was married without their 'free and full' consent. ### Bigamy & polygamous marriages You cannot marry in England and Wales if you are already married or in a civil partnership. Any secondary 'marriage'entered into with a person who is already married or in a civil partnership will be considered [void](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages). However, polygamous marriage may be recognised in England and Wales if it was entered into in a jurisdiction where such marriages are legally valid. You can learn more by reading our short [guide to bigamy and polygamous marriages](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/bigamy-and-polygamy). ### same-sex marriage in the uk Following the legalisation of same-sex marriage by [the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/30/contents), which came into effect on the 13th of March 2014, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can marry in a civil ceremony in the UK. However, who can marry in a religious ceremony depends on the requirements of the specific religion. For example, same-sex couples cannot currently marry in the Church of England or the Church in Wales. ### Prisoners' restrictions on marriage An additional exemption was introduced by the [Victims and Prisoners Act](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2024/21) in May 2024, which provides that prisoners serving whole life sentences are unable to marry or enter into a civil partnership. In certain cases, the Secretary of State may grant permission to marry, but only in 'exceptional circumstances'. 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 -------------- [Are overseas marriages legally recognised in England and Wales?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/overseas-marriages "Are overseas marriages legally recognised in England and Wales?") [Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/bigamy-and-polygamy "Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK") [Giving notice of marriage](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/notice-of-marriage "Giving notice of marriage") [Legal requirements for civil ceremonies](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/civil-ceremonies "Legal requirements for civil ceremonies") [Legal requirements for religious ceremonies](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/religious-ceremonies "Legal requirements for religious ceremonies") [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") [Non-marriages, void marriages, and voidable marriages](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/non-marriages-void-marriages-voidable-marriages "Non-marriages, void marriages, and voidable marriages") [Prohibited marriages between relatives](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/prohibited-marriages-between-relatives "Prohibited marriages between relatives") [The legal rules on where you can get married](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/where-can-i-get-married "The legal rules on where you can get married") [Void marriages](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages "Void marriages") 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.