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Information » Family & Relationships » Being in a Relationship » Marriage

Getting married is a big step for any relationship so don’ t rush into anything.
Legally in the UK, you must be 16 years old or over with parental consent, or 18 years old to get married.
It is illegal to marry in the UK if you or your partner is under 16. It is illegal if you are the same sex, however, by the end of 2005, a same-sex couple may be able to register a civil partnership instead or if either you or your partner is already married.
There is no right age to get married. Some people marry young and others prefer to wait until they are older.
Many couples choose to live together before getting married or may never marry at all and continue co-habiting.
Getting married signals a long-term commitment to someone and a contract between the couple.
By law, married couples are viewed differently to couples living together. It is seen as a contract between two people giving them certain rights and responsibilities. For example, they must support each other financially by law.
Married couples have joint responsibility for their children, as long as they were born while the couple were married. Usually, unmarried fathers have no parental responsibility unless an agreement is signed saying otherwise.
Being married to two people at the same time is known as bigamy. This is illegal in the UK but not in some other countries.

Wedding ceremonies

Religious ceremonies can take place at a church, chapel or temple. In order to get married there, you will need to contact the person responsible, for example the vicar at a Church of England church, for permission. They will then talk you through the arrangements and requirements.
Civil ceremonies can take place at a register office or other registered wedding venues, like a hotel. These ceremonies have no religious content. You will need to contact your district’ s superintendent registrar if you wish to get married in a civil ceremony.

Arranged marriages

In some cultures, it is traditional that your future spouse is chosen for you by your family. It is seen as a sign of utmost disrespect to the family to refuse an arranged marriage.
This still happens in many Indian families, both in the UK and abroad.
The marriage is usually seen as a bond between two families rather than the couple getting married.
For those who are part of this tradition and living in the UK, it can be difficult trying to live with the two different cultures.
If your family is arranging a marriage for you and you are worried, try talking to them. Some families are happy to make compromises and make sure you like the person they have matched you with before you get married.
All good relationships are based on friendship so ideally your partner will share some of your interests, allow you to be independent and enjoy your company.

Forced marriages

Forced marriages are arranged without the couple’ s consent
They are illegal in the UK but some families force their children into marriage abroad to avoid this.
If you are concerned about this, there is help and support
It is your right to not to be forced into marriage and there is legal protection for you.
Contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for help, the details are below

Civil Partnerships

Although same-sex marriage is illegal in the UK, from 5 December 2005, same sex couples can form a civil partnership, which allows them legal recognition of their partnership.
Couples entering this partnership will take on a new legal status as a ‘civil partner’ .
Civil partnerships can be arranged at your local register office.