Expats getting married in England
by James Cole | 7 April, 2008 - 21:00
Dear Resident Reverend,
Both me and my fiance live in Dubai but would like to get married back in the UK near our family and friends. We are both British and lived in the UK for over 26 years.
We would like to get married in a church in the Blackburn area, as most of our family and friends are from the area and this is where I lived and grew up as well.
Please would you be able to let me know what the options would be for us?
Many thanks
Jill
Comments
Le us know if we can help once you back to Dubai and Congratulations in advance www.dubaishortstay.com/hotel/
Hi Jill
You may well need to come back to the UK for at least 15 days within 3 months of your marriage to fulfil qualifying residency rules. You would then need to apply for a Common Licence.
The new marriage measure allows for people to marry in churches to which they have a demonstrable link but I'm pretty sure the residential rules will still apply.
If you contact the minister at the church you have in mind he or she will help you with specifics - but you may need to wait till after the autumn as we can't book weddings on the grounds of the new Measure until it is actually in place.
If you come to stay then it helps to stay in the area in which you want to marry.
Sorry if this sounds complicated but hope it helps
warm regards
Jan