If you’re planning to get married overseas, you may need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from the British authorities. The CNI confirms that there are no legal impediments to your marriage and that you’re free to marry under UK law.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a document issued by the UK government that confirms there are no legal obstacles to your marriage.
If you’re planning to get married overseas, you may need to provide a CNI to the authorities in the country where you’re getting married. The CNI is a legal requirement in many countries, including popular wedding destinations such as Italy, Spain, and France.
To obtain a CNI, you’ll need to apply to the General Register Office (GRO) in the UK. The GRO is responsible for registering all births, deaths, and marriages in England and Wales.
The GRO will issue the CNI if they’re satisfied that you’re legally free to marry. They’ll carry out checks to ensure that you’re not already married, that you’re not related to your partner, and that you’re not in a prohibited relationship (such as a same-sex relationship in a country where same-sex marriage is not legal).
Who can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment?
Anyone who is planning to get married overseas can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment. You don’t need to be a British citizen or resident to apply.
However, some countries may have additional requirements for non-residents, such as a minimum residency period before you can get married. You should check the requirements of the country where you’re getting married before you apply for a CNI.
How to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment
You can apply for a Certificate of No Impediment online or by post. The application process is straightforward, but you’ll need to provide certain documents and information.
To apply online, you’ll need to create an account on the GOV.UK website and complete the application form. You’ll need to provide details of your name, date of birth, nationality, and current address, as well as details of your partner and the country where you’re getting married.
You’ll also need to provide proof of your identity and address, such as a passport or driving licence, and pay the application fee. The fee is currently £35 for a standard application and £75 for a priority application (which is processed more quickly).
If you prefer to apply by post, you can download the application form from the GOV.UK website and send it to the General Register Office along with your supporting documents and payment.
Once the GRO receives your application, they’ll carry out the necessary checks and issue the CNI if they’re satisfied that you’re legally free to marry. The CNI will be sent to you by post, usually within 7-10 working days.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is an essential document if you’re planning to get married overseas. It confirms that you’re legally free to marry under UK law and can help to ensure that your marriage is recognised in the country where you’re getting married.
If you’re planning to apply for a CNI, it’s important to check the requirements of the country where you’re getting married and allow plenty of time for the application process. With the right preparation, obtaining a CNI can be a straightforward and stress-free process.
