Wedding worry
Question
I am a UK citizen residing in the UK. My partner is a US citizen living in America. Due to business commitments he can't be here for the specified period required prior to a registry office marriage. Can we marry in a church without him having to be here to make any arrangements? If so, how long will he have to be here before the marriage?
Answer
As your partner lives outside the UK, the marriage can't take place until he's arrived in the UK and fulfilled the necessary residence qualifications. For a civil ceremony, you and your partner must give notice that you intend to marry to the Superintendent Registrar. You must both be present for seven days before this notice is given. The marriage can then take place after 15 days have elapsed following the notice.
Another option is to have an Anglican (Church of England) ceremony. Instead of going to the Superintendent Registrar before the ceremony, banns (a notice of the proposed marriage) can be read in the parish church of both of the partners on three Sundays before the ceremony.
For any other non-Anglican religious ceremony, notice must be given to the Superintendent Registrar.
It is possible that there could be a way around this - much will depend on your partner's status as a visitor. Try contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) for more detailed information.
Updated: 05/10/2005
Question answered by CAB
