British nationals intending to marry in a Commonwealth country, whether to a citizen of that country, to a foreigner, or to another British national, are required to comply with the formalities of the Commonwealth country concerned. Certificates of marriages celebrated in Singapore and in other Commonwealth countries may not be deposited with the Registrars-General in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Please note that consular officers in Commonwealth countries are unable to accept Notices of Marriage or issue Certificates of No Impediment, either on their own account, or on the basis of a Notice which has been posted at a consular post in a foreign country and endorsed by a consular officer to show that no impediment has been shown to exist.

For information about marriage in Singapore please refer to the Registry of Marriages Singapore website

What documents do I need to get married abroad?
To find out exactly what you need to get married overseas, you will need to contact the authorities of the relevant country.

You might also have to exchange the UK issued CNI for a Consular CNI . The CNI and other documents may also need legalising the UK Legalisation Office.

• if you’re marrying an Irish national you must obtain a CNI from the FCO office in London or the local consulate
• if you’re marrying in Italy you need to obtain a specific form, a Nulla Osta (an Italian CNI) from the nearest British consulate
• if you’re marrying in France you may need a Certificate of Custom Law - consult the local Mairie for more info

If I get married abroad will my marriage be legal in the UK?
You should consult a lawyer to check as sometimes marriages conducted in other countries aren’t recognised in the UK.

Can I get a British marriage certificate if I marry abroad?
No, you will get a certificate of marriage from the country you marry in.

Can my foreign partner get a British passport once we’re married?
If you and your partner settle in the UK after marriage your partner can apply for naturalisation after three years. The Nationality Directorate of the UK Border Agency can provide more information on this.