Marriage and registration

Guidance on marriage procedures in Northern Ireland

Couples marrying in Northern Ireland have a choice of either a religious or a civil ceremony - the preliminaries are the same for both
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Getting married - documents to be produced

By law, each party to a proposed marriage must complete a marriage notice form. Other documents such as those to prove age, nationality and identity are also needed.
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How and when to give notice for marriage

Completed notice forms, relevant documents, declarations and fees must go to the Registrar of Marriages in the district where the marriage is to take place
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The marriage schedule

A marriage schedule will be prepared from the information on the marriage notice form - no marriage can proceed without the schedule
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Registration of marriage

The Registrar is responsible for the registration of all marriages - civil and religious
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Types of relationship within which marriage is unlawful

Marriage may not possible if the parties are related by blood, adoption, step-parent relationship or surrogacy
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Marriage - fees and general information

Find out about marriage fees and information on objections and making false statements
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Marriage/civil partnership and immigration control

If you are subject to immigration control there are things to consider before you can get married or register a civil partnership
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Marriage outside the UK and Republic of Ireland

If you live in or were born in Northern Ireland, there are things to consider before you can get married overseas
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How to order marriage or civil partnership certificates

A marriage or civil partnership certificate can be ordered from the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) in a number of ways
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Officiant registration

A religious body may apply for its members, aged 21 or over, to be registered to officiate at weddings in Northern Ireland
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Order a marriage certificate (do it online section)

Order your certificates online from the General Register Office
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Forced marriage

Forced marriage is regarded as an abuse of human rights and a form of domestic abuse and, where it affects children and young people, child abuse. It can happen to both men and women. The courts now have the powers to prevent forced marriages from occurring or offer protection to those who have been forced to take part in a marriage.