Marriage Formalities

Home Services Family and Divorce Getting Married Marriage Formalities

If you are planning to marry or enter a civil partnership you will need to ensure that you follow the correct process to ensure you have a valid marriage. If you do not, your marriage may be void or voidable, and this can have problematic consequences should either of you die or if you later separate, in relation to the financial provision available to you.

There are different rules depending on whether you wish to marry or have a civil partnership. They relate both to conditions you and your partner must meet, administrative requirements, and matters relating to the ceremony itself. Normally your wedding provider will ensure that these conditions are met, but if you are planning something more unusual we can advise you to ensure your celebrations meet the necessary requirements so as to result in a valid marriage or civil partnership.

We also advise clients who have been married overseas or in a non-traditional ceremony who need advice on whether what took place resulted in a valid marriage or civil partnership. We have expertise in this area, particularly in relation to Islamic marriages performed by way of talaq.