Getting married is a significant milestone for most people. However, before you can tie the knot, you need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) in the UK. This article will guide you on how to get a CNI in the UK, what it is, and why it is necessary.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A CNI is a document that proves that there are no legal obstacles to your marriage. It confirms that you are free to marry and that no one has any objections to your marriage. The certificate is issued by your local register office or embassy and is a legal requirement if you plan to get married abroad.
Why do you need a Certificate of No Impediment?
A CNI is a legal document required by some countries to ensure that you are legally free to marry. Without a CNI, your marriage may not be recognized in the country you intend to marry, and the authorities may prevent you from getting married. Therefore, it is essential to get a CNI if you plan to get married abroad.
How to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment in the UK
The following steps will guide you on how to obtain a CNI in the UK:
Step 1: Give Notice of Marriage
The first step towards obtaining a CNI is to give notice of marriage. You need to give notice at your local register office, regardless of whether you plan to get married in the UK or abroad. You must give notice at least 29 days before your wedding date.
Step 2: Wait for the Notice Period to End
After giving notice of marriage, you need to wait for the notice period to end. The notice period is 29 days, during which your application will be posted in the register office for public display.
Step 3: Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment
Assuming that no one objects to your marriage during the notice period, you can then apply for a CNI. You must request a CNI from the register office where you gave notice of marriage. You may also need to provide additional documents to support your application.
Documents Needed to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment
To obtain a CNI, you need to provide the following documents:
Passport
You will need to provide your passport as proof of identity. If you are not a UK citizen, you will also need to provide evidence of your immigration status.
Birth Certificate
You will need to provide your birth certificate as proof of your date of birth. If your birth certificate is not in English, you will need to have it translated by an official translator.
Proof of Address
You will need to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
Decree Absolute
If you have been divorced, you will need to provide a decree absolute as proof of your divorce.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is a necessary legal document that proves that you are free to marry. It is required by some countries if you plan to get married abroad. To obtain a CNI in the UK, you need to give notice of marriage, wait for the notice period to end, and apply for a CNI. You will also need to provide additional documents to support your application.
