Information for
non-European Economic Area Nationals planning to marry in England
and Wales.
Special arrangements exsist for non-European Economic Area (EEA)
Nationals who wish to marry in England and Wales.
Further information on this subject can be found in this booklet
‘ The rules for getting married in England and Wales'. If you would
like any addtional information on this subject or a copy mailed to
you please send your enquiry or name and address to
registrars@suffolk.gov.uk.
In addition to the standard legal requirements for marriage shown
on our
Marriage Information page, it is a requirement that you have a
visa to permit your marriage. This will be a fiancé or fiancée or
marriage visitor visa. This can be obtained in two ways:
- Non-EEA passport holders who are already in this
country. From the Home Office by obtaining a ‘Certificate
of Approval'. Please telephone 0870 606 7766 to request the
application forms for this purpose or they can be printed from the
Home Office (Border and Immigration Agency) web site.
- Non–EEA passport holders who are currently
overseas. From the British consulate, High Commission or
Embassy in your country of origin or the country where you are now
living. The current fees for entry clearance are £500 for a
fiancee(e) or proposed civil partner visa or £63 for a mariage or
civil partner visitor visa.
You will then both need to book an appointment at a Designated
Register Office who will arrange your legal preliminaries. (The
Notice of Marriage). Not all Registration Offices are
designated for this purpose. In Suffolk the only office permitted
to see Non- EEA Nationals is the
Suffolk Register Office, based at Ipswich; telephone 01473
583050 or
email Ipswich.registrars@suffolk.gov.uk
If you do not speak or understand English well you will need to
bring with you an interpreter with you.
I am an EEA National marrying a Non-EEA National – can I prepare my
Notice of Marriage at my local Registration Office?
No, you must both attend together at a Designated Register
Office.
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Who is an EEA National?
EEA nationals are passport holders of the following
countries
The United Kingdom
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Romania
Slovenia
Slovak Republic
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
All other passport holders are classed as Non- EEA
Nationals.
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Can we still get married at any Local Authority Ceremony
Room or Approved venue?
Yes, although your Notice of Marriage must be prepared at a
Designated Register office, you can hold your ceremony at any
Approved Venue or Local Authority Room.
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Are their any exemptions?
Yes, The following are exempt:
Members of the visiting armed forces
Diplomats
Passport holders containing ‘a certificate of right of abode in the
UK'
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How can I find my local British Embassy/High Commission
office?
The Foreign and Commonwealth office has a useful listing at
www.fco.gov.uk.
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