If you are planning to marry or form a civil partnership overseas, you may be required to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
We can only issue Certificates of No Impediment for British nationals.
What You Need to Do
Before making any arrangements, you should contact the relevant authorities in the country where your ceremony will take place. Each country has its own legal requirements, and it is important that you understand what documentation is needed.
You may also find helpful guidance on the GOV.UK website.
Applying for a Certificate of No Impediment
To obtain a CNI, you must give legal notice at the register office for the district where you live.
Your notice will be displayed for 28 clear days
Your certificate can only be issued once this period has passed
Please ensure you allow enough time when planning your ceremony abroad, as this process cannot be expedited.
Ceremony Details
When giving notice, you must provide the full and exact details of the ceremony venue overseas, as required by the local authorities.
Your Certificate of No Impediment will be specific to this location.
Although CNIs do not have a formal expiry date, many countries will only accept certificates issued within three months of your ceremony date, so careful timing is essential.
If Your Partner Lives Abroad
If you are a British national marrying or forming a civil partnership with a foreign national, you will need to provide your partner’s full address abroad when giving notice.
After Your Ceremony
There is no requirement to register your marriage or civil partnership again in England or Wales once it has legally taken place abroad.
Book Your Appointment
If you need to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, you can book your notice appointment online:
[Book your appointment here]
We recommend ensuring you understand the requirements of your chosen country before attending your appointment.