+44 (0) 207 183 8043

Marriage Certificate Apostille UK – Complete Guide 2025

  • Posted: April 26th, 2025

What is a Marriage Certificate Apostille?

A marriage certificate apostille is an official authentication required to validate a UK marriage certificate for international use. If you are planning to move abroad, apply for dual citizenship, or manage legal affairs overseas, it is crucial to have your marriage certificate apostilled to ensure its acceptance in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears.

Why Do You Need a Marriage Certificate Apostille in the UK?

When dealing with foreign authorities, legal institutions, or immigration offices, they often require proof that your marriage certificate is legitimate and issued by a recognised entity. Some common situations where you may need a marriage certificate apostille include:

  • Applying for a spouse visa or residency abroad

  • Registering your marriage in a foreign country

  • Inheritance claims involving international assets

  • Divorce proceedings overseas

  • Legal name changes abroad

  • International banking transactions

Without a valid apostille, foreign authorities may reject your UK marriage certificate, causing significant delays or rejections in your processes.

How to Get a Marriage Certificate Apostille in the UK

Obtaining a marriage certificate apostille in the UK is a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps:

1. Obtain a Certified Marriage Certificate

You must have an official marriage certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or your local registry office. Photocopies, church-issued certificates, or unofficial duplicates are generally not acceptable unless certified by a solicitor or notary public.

If you do not have your original certificate, you can order a replacement from the GRO or your local register office.

2. Certify the Document if Necessary

If you possess an official copy directly from the GRO or registry office, further certification may not be required. However, if you are using a solicitor-certified copy, ensure it is properly notarised before proceeding to the apostille stage.

3. Apply for the Apostille

You can apply for an apostille through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). There are two primary ways to do this:

  • Direct Application via FCDO: Submit your certificate along with an application form and payment. Standard service can take around 2-5 working days.

  • Using a Professional Apostille Service: For faster processing and less hassle, many individuals use accredited apostille agents who handle all paperwork and delivery for you.

4. Pay the Required Fees

The FCDO charges a set fee per document for apostille services. As of 2025, the fee is approximately £45 per document plus courier charges if you require secure return delivery.

Professional agencies may charge additional service fees for expedited or handled processing.

5. Receive the Apostilled Document

Once processed, the apostille certificate is attached to your marriage certificate and returned to you. Ensure all details are accurate before using it overseas.

Documents Needed for Marriage Certificate Apostille

When applying for a marriage certificate apostille in the UK, you will generally need:

  • Original or solicitor-certified copy of the marriage certificate

  • Completed application form

  • Proof of payment for apostille services

  • Valid photo ID (depending on the service provider)

If using a solicitor-certified copy, always ensure the solicitor is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in the UK.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Certificate Apostille?

The processing time can vary based on the method you choose:

  • Standard FCDO Service: Around 2 to 5 working days once received.

  • Express or Premium Apostille Services: In as little as 24 hours with an additional fee.

It is advisable to plan ahead and allow sufficient time, especially if your documents are required for an urgent visa application or legal procedure abroad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your application is successful, avoid these common errors:

  • Submitting a photocopy instead of an original or certified document

  • Incorrectly completing the application form

  • Using an uncertified solicitor

  • Not paying the correct fee

  • Incorrect delivery address for returns

Each of these mistakes can cause delays or even result in the rejection of your apostille application.

Cost of Marriage Certificate Apostille in the UK

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs in 2025:

  • FCDO Apostille Fee: £45 per document

  • Courier Return Fee: Around £5-£15

  • Professional Apostille Service Fee: Varies between £50-£150 depending on speed and service level

  • Additional Certification (if needed): Solicitor certification fees range between £10-£30 per document

It is important to choose a reputable service to avoid hidden charges or mishandling of your important documents.

Marriage Certificate Apostille FAQs

Can I apostille a photocopy of my marriage certificate?

Only if it has been properly certified by a UK-registered solicitor or notary public. Otherwise, you must submit the original or an official copy.

Is an online marriage certificate acceptable for apostille?

No, the marriage certificate must be a printed official document, either the original or a solicitor-certified copy.

Can I apply for the apostille if I am abroad?

Yes, you can post your documents to the FCDO from abroad or hire a professional apostille service that accepts international clients.

Do apostilles expire?

An apostille itself does not expire; however, some foreign authorities may request recently issued certificates depending on the nature of your transaction.

Why Choose a Professional Apostille Service?

Hiring an experienced apostille agent ensures:

  • Faster processing

  • Accuracy of documentation

  • Secure handling of sensitive documents

  • Expert advice on any additional legalisation needed

Professional services can save you time, stress, and prevent costly mistakes, particularly for urgent or complex international matters.

For Professional Apostille Services

If you require expert assistance with obtaining a marriage certificate apostille in the UK, Prime Apostille is here to help. Our experienced team ensures a fast, reliable, and hassle-free service, taking care of every step on your behalf. Contact Prime Apostille today for personalised support:
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 207 183 8043
📧 Email: info@primeapostille.com
🌐 Website: www.primeapostille.co.uk

Trust Prime Apostille to handle your document legalisation needs with professionalism and efficiency.

Tags: Marriage Certificate Apostille
Contact Us

Prime Apostille
Building 3
297-303 Edgware Road
London
NW9 6NB
United Kingdom

+44 (0) 207 183 8043
Monday - Friday 09.00AM – 6.00PM
Terms and Conditions

Translation Service Quotation

{{ doc.title }}
By continuing you confirm that;
  • The information you have provided to us is correct; and
  • You agree to the Terms & Conditions which also contains our client retainer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is currently experiencing severe delays with issuing apostilles. It is currently taking around 20 - 25 working days to apostille a document through the FCDO and, as a result, our standard processing times are taking longer than usual.

I understand
covid

Order

  • 1Service Selection
  • 2Document Information
  • 3Delivery Details
  • 4Confirm Order
  • 1Service Selection
  • 2Document Information
  • 3Request Completion

Choose what service you want

Translation Services
At Prime Apostille we offer a fast, accurate and affordable translation service. We can translate almost any document in any language covering over 200 languages. We understand the sensitivity of documents and the importance of having a true translation. Our translation service is personalised to cater to your every need and your document will be confidentially reviewed by specialist proof-readers. You will be given a Certificate of Certified Translation and, more importantly, the translators we use are members of the ATC (Association of Translation Companies). In order to offer you a quote, we will first need to see your document(s) to assess the number of words, the language it is currently in and the language you require the translation in. We will then get back to you within 24 hours with a quote. To get started click “Get a Free Quote” and follow the instructions.
Get a Free Quote OR Select Different Service

Choose your document

Select a Document to Order

Personal Documents

Academic Documents

Business Documents

Confirm document format

{{ document.title }}

{{ document.heading }}

Confirm document format

{{ document.title }}

Have your document been certified in line with this guidance?

If your documents have not been certified by a Solicitor or Notary Public, please ensure that the documents you send to us are originals. Our in-house solicitors will create certified copies for you free of charge. Your original documents will subsequently be returned to you together with your legalised/attested documents.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Where was the event registered?

Unfortunately, we are only able to assist with documents registered in England and Wales.

Unfortunately, we are only able to assist with documents registered in England and Wales.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Do you know the General Register Officer (GRO) Index Reference?

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Do You have a copy of the Document?

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide any document reference numbers (if known)

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please select the type of Adoption Certificate you would like to order

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

Reference Information from GRO Index

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to help us identify your document

Reference Information from GRO Index

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details to order your document

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please Provide Details of your Photo ID

{{ chip.name }}
{{ chip.name }}

We are unable to process your application for {{ wc.insertIndefiniteArticle( wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title ) }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }} without a photographic ID. We appologise for any inconvenience caused.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Address Details

Please enter your past address details for the last 10 years

Add Address

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

UK Armed Forces

Immgration History

Add Details

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Past & Pending Convictions

Add Conviction

  • You must declare ALL convictions including those you believe to be spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

    Add Conviction

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Endorser Details

Your application must be endorsed by a suitable individual that meets the following criteria:

  • Must have known you for a minimum of two years
  • Must not be a partner or family member (no matter how distantly related)
  • Must be aged 18 years or over
  • Must be in one of the occupations or a similar occupation to those listed here

This individual can be of any nationality and can reside anywhere in the world.

Your endorser may be contacted to verify the authenticity of your application. As part of this validation we may need to send the photograph you submit to confirm that it is a true likeness of you.

Please provoide the Endorser's Details.

Without an Endorser, we are unable to accept your application for an {{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}. We appologise for any inconveninence this may cause you.

List of Accepted Occupations

  • Accountant
  • Optician
  • Airline Pilot
  • Personal Licence Holders (Liquor/Alcohol)
  • Ambulance Service Official / Paramedic
  • Personnel Officer
  • Architect
  • Pharmacist
  • Bank / Building Society Official
  • Police Officer/Police Civilian Staff
  • Barrister
  • Post Office Official
  • Care Worker (Registered)
  • Prison Officer
  • Company Chairman
  • Probation Officer
  • Chemist
  • Salvation Army Officer
  • Civil Servant (Permanent)
  • Solicitor
  • Commissioner of Oaths
  • Surveyor
  • Councillor (Local or County)
  • Teacher
  • Dentist
  • Trade Union Officer
  • Director
  • Tutor
  • Doctor
  • Valuer or Auctioneer
  • Engineer
  • Veterinarian
  • Executive
  • Veterinary Nurse
  • Financial Adviser
  • Fire Service Official
  • Funeral Director
  • Insurance Broker
  • IT Specialist
  • Judge
  • Justice of the Peace
  • Lawyer
  • Lecturer
  • Legal Secretary
  • Magistrate
  • Manager
  • Medical Consultant/Specialist
  • Member of a Chartered Institute
  • Member of Parliament
  • Merchant Navy Officer
  • Minister of a Recognised Religion
  • Museum Curator
  • Notary Public
  • Nurse (SRN or other qualification)
  • Officer of the Armed Services (Active or Retired)

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Additional Information

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Proof of Address

A list of suitable proofs of address can be found here.

{{ chip.name }}

Acceptable documents providing proof of residence include:

  • Recent utility bill (e.g. gas, electricity or phone) or a certificate from a supplier of utilities confirming the arrangement to pay for the services on pre-payment terms (Please note that mobile telephone bills are not acceptable as they can be sent to different addresses). Utility bills in joint names are permissible*
  • Local authority tax bill valid for the current year**
  • UK full or provisional photo-card driving licene or a full old-style paper driving licence (if not already presented as a personal ID document). Old style provisional driving licences are not acceptable.
  • Most recent HM Revenue and Customs tax notification (i.e. tax assessment, statement of account, notice of coding) a P45 or P60 is not acceptable.
  • Financial statement (e.g. bank, building society, credit card or credit union statement) containing current address*
  • Most recent mortgage statement from a recognised lender**
  • Current benefit book or card or original notification letter from Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming the rights to benefit (for example, child allowance, pension)**
  • Current local council rent card or tenancy agreement
  • Confirmation from an electoral register search that a person of that name lives at the claimed address*

*The date on these documents should be within the last three months and they must contain the name and address of the applicant.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Passport Photograph

You may find guidance on the format of passport style photographs by clicking here.

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Passport Copy

Colour copies of passport(s) / travel documents must clearly show your photograph, personal information, expiry date, nationality, machine readable zone, extension pages and signature (if applicable). Copies of other official photographic identity documents should show as many of these features as possible. Black and white copies will not be accepted.

{{ chip.name }}

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Letter of Authority

In order for us to make an application for an ACRO Certificate on your behalf, we require you to complete and upload a signed Letter of Authority which we can send to the ACRO Service as confirmation of the fact that we are authorised to act for you.

You may download a blank Letter of Authority by clicking here.

Please complete the relevant sections of the Letter of Authority and sign/date it where indicated at the bottom. Once you have done this, please email a copy of the completed Letter of Authority to us on info@primeapostille.com.

We will not be able to process your application until we have received this document from you.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

The Qualifications Office of the Consulate General of Italy in London only issues "Dichiarazioni di Valore" (Declarations of Value, DV) of British qualifications - issued by recognised educational institutions (schools, colleges and universities) or professional bodies - that fall under the British education/university system.

Scotland and Northern Ireland fall within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General in Edinburgh.

The "DV" is neither an equivalent of an Italian qualification nor a comparability certificate. It will be up to the relevant Italian institutions (Ministry of Education, Uffici Scolastici Provinciali, Universities, etc.) to subsequently declare if a foreign qualification has a similar Italian equivalent: this is called "equipollenza" (equivalence/certificate of comparability). Please note that the "Declaration of Value" can only be requested for already-completed study cycles (e.g., A-level, Bachelor, Master, etc.).

If you wish for Prime Apostille to obtain a Declaration of Value on your behalf, please CLICK HERE.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Please provide the following details

{{ chip.name }}
{{ chip.name }}

Once we have obtained all necessary information from you, we will be able to provide you with a quotation for our services and shall carry out your instructions swiftly.

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

The information you entered has been submitted.

We will be able to provide you with a quotation for our services and shall carry out your instructions swiftly.

Processing.. Please Wait...

{{ wc.wizard_selections.documents[0].title }}

Service Details Quantity Fee
UK Document Order | {{ document.title }}
{{ wc.document_doc_order_fee_display }}

If the GRO are unable to locate your entry, a refund will be issued minus a £12.50 administrative fee.

Choose your Embassy

Do you need Embassy Attestation?

To get documents legalised for use outside of the UK, many countries ask that you get your documents attested by their UK based Embassy.

If you need your documents to be attested for use outside of the UK, please select the embassy from the list below.

Please note, the cost of our embassy attestation service is dependent on the specific embassy needing the attestation. Once you select the embassy our online ordering system will provide you with the total cost of service.

Choose your Embassy

The cost of our embassy attestation service is dependent on the specific embassy needing the attestation. Once you select the embassy our online ordering system will provide you with the total cost of service.

Please note, countries that are a member of the Hague Convention of 1961 do not typically require Embassy Attestation, therefore these countries are not listed as search options. If the Embassy you need is not listed please contact us for further assistance.

All Embassies

Please Note:

Special Instructions for {{ embassy.title }}

Do you need Apostille Services?

Before your documents can be attested by an embassy they often require to obtain a certificate by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) verifying the authenticity of that document.

If your documents needs this certificate, we can obtain this for your selected documents at no additional cost using our Apostille service.

When a document is required in an official capacity, it is often required to obtain a certificate by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) verifying the authenticity of that document.

If your documents needs this certificate, we can obtain this for your selected documents using our Apostille service.

Please note, this is set fee per document that will be added to the total cost of our solicitor attestation service.

Please note, this is set fee per document that will be added to the total cost.

Select Postal Delivery Service

We do not compromise on the safe delivery of your documents, we therefore use a premier service for returning your documents back to you. The cost of delivery is a set fee per order and not dependent on the number of documents.

Please choose from the list below indicating how you would like for us to return your documents:

Your Details

Sending us your Documents

Select how you will be sending us your documents.

My Order Summary

Document Details
Service Quantity
{{ service.service_cat_label }} | {{ service.document_title }} {{ service.quantity }}
Postal Service

Personal Details
Full Name
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
Email
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.email }}
Telephone Number
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.telephone_number }}
Billing Address
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country].country }}
Return Address
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.billing_address.country].country }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.first_name }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.last_name }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.house_name }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.street }}, {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.town }} {{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.postal_code }},
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country == 'other' ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country_other : wc.countries[wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.shipping_address.country].country }}
Additional Comments
{{ wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments != '' && wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments != undefined ? wc.wizard_selections.personal_details.comments : '-' }}
Service Charge : {{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.tax_exclusive_total | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}
{{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.title }} : {{ wc.wizard_selections.taxes.tax | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}
Total Cost : {{ wc.wizard_selections.total_price_inc_tax | currency:wc.wizard_options.currency_symbol }}

Terms and Conditions

By continuing you confirm that:

  • The information you have provided to us is correct; and
  • You agree to the Terms & Conditions which also contains our client retainer.

Processing.. Please Wait...

{{ wc.wizard_options.navigation.prev_text }} {{ wc.wizard_options.navigation.next_text }}
{{ wc.uk_doc_navigation.prev_text }} {{ wc.uk_doc_navigation.next_text }}

My Order Summary

Documents ({{ wc.wizard_selections.documents.length }}) Qty
{{ document.title }}
{{ document.quantity }}
Embassies ({{ wc.wizard_selections.embassies.length }})
{{ embassy.title }}
Service Details Qty
{{ service.service_cat_label }} | {{ service.document_title }}
 {{ service.quantity }}
Postal Delivery Service
{{ wc.wizard_selections.delivery_service.title }}
Your Order Summary
will appear here.
Sorry. We couldn't found necessary data to generate this wizard.
Please try again by reloading the page.

Loading...