I think this question may have been asked (and answered) months ago, but I can't for the life of me remember where now!
Basically, we're getting married in Las Vegas. We've given notice over here already and I know that when we get to Vegas we have to go to the courthouse to get our licence and show our paperwork from this country. My question is, what happens when we get back to the UK. Do we have to go to the registry office (again!) to register the marriage? Or can we just send in a copy of the certificate? Or do we just do nothing (if it's this one, then how is it registered in this country?). Thanks ladies! Hx
Vegas baby!
Moderator
CommentAuthorSazzell23
Hi Heather, The answer is that you do nothing, its not registered in the UK. Currently in the UK the General Register Office only holds records for UK marriages. Keep your certificate safe and maybe get a couple of extra copies whilst your in vegas cus you will need to produce your certificate to change your name back in UK on official docs such as bank, passport, driving licence etc. You might need to send them off to the various authorities so its handy to have a couple of copies. Your marriage is registered in the USA and if you ever need more copies of your certificate you would contact the authorities in Vegas to obtain one. You can do it on-line as the USA has excellent registration services. As long as you comply with the rules and regulations for marriage in Vegas and your marriage is deemed to be legal and valid there, then it will be given the same legal standing in the UK too. Hope this helps xxx
CommentAuthorSazzell23
edited
I should mention that the General Register Office do have a deposit facility for foreign marriages. But it is not registering your marriage here in the UK, it is merely a safekeeping facility. So if you ever need more copies of your marriage cert you can apply to General Register Office for a copy instead of the authorities in the USA. By using the deposit facility it does not give your marriage any more legal standing that somebody who does not use the deposit facility. As the USA have a good registration service you would be fine not using the deposit facility. Its a chargeable service if you do decide to deposit. If you need any links on how to apply I can pop them on your wall xx
CommentAuthorLittle Kettle
Thanks sooooo much! I had no idea it wasn't registered in the UK though! Well, that will bugg£r up anyone trying to trace our marriage in 200 years time when doing the family tree, won't it LOL!!!
Vegas baby!
Moderator
CommentAuthorLittle Kettle
Aw thanks for that info too, but I think as the USA has a good registration system, we'll probably not to the General Register Office. Thanks so much for this info - really helpful! Hx
yeah they have a really good registration service in the US, the deposit facility at GRO is more for the countries where the language barrier would be a problem or they dont have a good registration service xx
CommentAuthorlala "mod" bunni
this was a good post heather im glad i read it too ....
