How to get a UK Wedding Certificate

UK Wedding Certificates are required for a number of official purposes. As the only legal document which proves that a marriage took place, these essential certificates state the names of both parties, and when and where they were married.

Why would I need a Wedding Certificate Copy?

Many people lose their wedding certificate over time, and never even think about it until at some point in the future it is asked for to prove identity. If either partner wishes to change their surname after marriage, an official marriage certificate is proof of their change of name. This can be used to change the official name on your bank account, passport, and other official documentation.

Regretfully, if the marriage breaks down and either partner wishes to file for a divorce, both the parties will need a copy of their wedding certificate to submit with their divorce papers. As many couples only have a single copy, a duplicate wedding certificate will be needed.

Where can I get a Duplicate Wedding Certificate?

There are only two places where a duplicate wedding certificate can be obtained. Either from the church or registrar that conducted the marriage in the first place, or as a re-issue from the central archives. If you are local to the church or registry office, you can contact them to try to obtain a duplicate. Otherwise you can order a wedding certificate online or by phone for delivery anywhere in the world.

How do I get a copy for a Marriage which took place overseas?

If you were married overseas, we may still be able to locate your record and have a duplicate issued. This depends on several factors, such as when the wedding took place and whether it was registered with the relevant authorities after the wedding. To read more about overseas certificates, check out our dedicated blog post on the subject, put together by our specialist team here.

Can I order a Wedding Certificate for someone else?

Under UK law, wedding certificates are classified as public records, which means that anyone is entitled to order a copy of any certificate. This can be useful if you are assisting a friend obtain a copy, or for family history research if you are looking for the marriage lines to further your research.

For further information, please call one of our advisers on +44 (0) 330 088 1142.