You should first check with the authorities of the country in which you are getting married or forming a civil partnership as to what legal preliminaries for your marriage or civil partnership are needed. Some countries require you to give notice in this country and to produce a certificate of no impediment in order for your ceremony to go ahead. However, this facility exists only in certain circumstances.
Where two British subjects are getting married or forming a civil partnership in a foreign country and both live in England and Wales, notice of marriage may in some circumstances be given by both parties in the district/s in which they have lived for the 7 clear days before giving notice. The informal Certificates of No Impediment can be issued 15 clear days after the date on which the notices were given.
There is no facility for giving notice of marriage where two British subjects are getting married or forming a civil partnership in a Commonwealth country if both parties are resident in England or Wales. However, a facility may exist if one party is resident in the country where the ceremony is to take place.
If a British subject is getting married or forming a civil partnership to a foreign national in a foreign country notice can be given under certain provisions. The facility requires the British subject to give notice in the district, in England and Wales, in which they have lived for three weeks before giving notice. Only one notice of marriage is given and a Certificate of No Impediment can be issued 21 clear days after the notice.
If you are not sure whether you are able to give notice of marriage or civil partnership, or your circumstances are different from those outlined above you should contact the Register Office on 01443 863478.
If possible, you should register your marriage or civil partnership with the British authorities in the country in which you get married. This means that you can then obtain a copy of your marriage or civil partnership certificate in this country if you ever need one in the future.