Marriage, Civil Partnership, Couples

Who, how and when can get married or form a civil partnership in England and Wales? Under English law, anyone who has reached the age of 16 (in this case, the parent's consent is required) or anyone who has reached the age of 18 can marry or legalise a civil partnership.

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In England and Wales, forced marriage is illegal. Therefore, you cannot take someone abroad and force them to marry, and you cannot marry someone who does not have the mental awareness to decide to marry - whether it is under pressure or not.

Hence, it is essential to convert same-sex civil partnerships into marriage to obtain the legal status of same-sex marriage. In England and Wales, such conversion is possible... However, please remember that conversion of civil partnerships of the opposite sex, i.e. heterosexual couples, is not possible in England and Wales.

A Deed Poll is a certificate or legal document that confirms the change of an applicant's name. Applicants may change any part of the name and surname. There are no restrictions on adding or removing any part of the applicant's name.