Getting Married & Living Together
If you are between 16 and 18, those with parental responsibility must give their consent before you can marry. If a residence order is in force, the person in whose favour the order was made must give consent. If you are in care, the local authority must consent. If they refuse, you can apply to the County Court for permission, see a Solicitor or visit the Court Information Office of the Court for details.
For you to marry you must not already be married, you must be able to understand the ceremony and give your consent, and not be a close relative of the other person, e.g. you cannot marry your brother, sister, uncle or aunt, but you may marry a cousin.
In order to marry in a Register Office, either bride or groom must have resided in a registration district in England and Wales for at least seven days immediately before giving notice of marriage at the Register Office. After giving both notices of marriage, you must wait a further 15 clear days before the marriage can take place (for example, if notices of marriage are given on 1 July, the marriage may take place on or after 17 July). If you want to get married in accordance with a certain religion, you should ask that organisation for details.
If you are under 18 and living with someone against your parents’ will, it is possible for them to take legal action. Once you are over 18, you can live with whoever you want to. If you have any problems with your relationship you can contact Relate.
