table of contents
- Alternative Documents
- What is the difference between a Certificate of No Impediment and a Certificate of Non-Impediment?
- Can I get a Certificate of No Impediment online?
- How much does a Certificate of No Impediment cost?
- Do I need a CNI to get married in a Commonwealth country?
- What is a Statutory Declaration and when do I need one?
- How do I apostille a Certificate of No Impediment?
How to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment
If you are planning on getting married outside of the UK you may be requested to provide a certificate of no impediment. This certificate is requested as evidence that you are allowed to marry. It is common practice and quite simple to acquire.
The certificate of no impediment is issued in the UK by your local register office (registry office). The registrar will place a notice in the office of your intended marriage. If no objections are received, the certificate of no impediment will be issued after approximately 3 to 4 weeks. The fee is typically in the region of £40 per person.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is an official document issued in the UK that confirms you are legally free to marry. It is sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Non-Impediment, or simply a CNI certificate.
The document confirms:
- Your full name, date and place of birth
- Your current marital status
- That there are no legal obstacles preventing you from marrying
Many countries require a CNI as part of the legal requirements for a foreign national or UK citizen to marry on their soil. It is one of the most commonly requested documents when planning a marriage abroad.
Contact Your Local Register Office
You can find your local register office here
When you have located your closest register office, you can contact them to arrange an appointment and request this certificate. As part of the process you may be asked to provide various supporting documents as evidence of your nationality, address and current marital status. It is advisable to clarify what the document requirements of the register office are when booking your appointment.
Once the certificate has been issued, the apostille can be attached so that the document will be accepted when presented overseas in an official capacity.
The certificate is often referred to as a certificate of no impediment.
Documents Required for Your CNI Application
When attending your appointment at the register office, you will typically be asked to bring:
A valid passport or UK birth certificate
Proof of your current address (utility bill, bank statement)
Divorce decree absolute, if you have been previously married
Death certificate of a former spouse, if widowed
Requirements can vary slightly between register offices, so it is always worth confirming exactly what to bring when you book your appointment.
How Long Does a Certificate of No Impediment Take?
Once you have given notice at your local register office, there is a statutory waiting period of approximately 28 days before the CNI can be issued. This waiting period exists to allow time for any objections to be raised.
You should factor this timeline into your wedding planning, particularly if the country where you are marrying has its own processing or apostille requirements after the CNI is issued.
The current fee for giving notice at a register office is typically in the region of £40 per person.
Contact the British Embassy if Based Overseas
If you are a UK national residing overseas and you intend to marry in a third country, the process is slightly different. In this case you should contact the British embassy in the country you intend to marry to request the Certificate of Non-Impediment. In most cases, the British embassy should be able to issue the document upon request however this is not always possible. In the event that it is not possible we recommend contacting the local authorities in the country you intend to marry to check if a suitable alternative is available.
Getting Married in a Commonwealth Country
We often hear from clients who intend to get married in a country that is a member of the Commonwealth. In the UK, it is not possible for a Certificate of No Impediment to be issued for marriages in commonwealth countries.
Does My CNI Need an Apostille?
In most cases, yes. If the country where you are getting married is a member of the Hague Convention, the CNI will need to be legalised with an apostille certificate before it can be accepted by the local authorities overseas.
The apostille is attached to the CNI by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and authenticates the document for international use.
We provide a fast, reliable apostille service for Certificates of No Impediment. Once you have received your CNI from the register office, you can order the apostille online and post the document to us – we handle the rest.
Alternative Documents
In cases where it is not feasible, or potentially impossible, to obtain a certificate of no impediment there are alternative options available.
A typical equivalent document to the Certificate of No Impediment is a Statutory Declaration that confirms you are currently free to marry. This declaration should be made in the presence of a practicing solicitor or notary public and legalised accordingly.
Before proceeding with this, it is strongly recommended you contact the local authorities in the country you intend to marry to check if this would be sufficient for their needs.
Once you have obtained your document you can order the apostille service online.
