Collecting your certificate
After 28 days from having given notice, if no impediment to the marriage or civil partnership has been shown, we will provide you with a certificate of no impediment (CNI).
We will contact you to arrange the collection of the paperwork.
This certificate must be produced to the British Consul for the consular district in the country where the marriage or civil partnership is taking place.
They will then use this to complete the legal formalities required for your marriage or civil partnership.
Please note that the British Consul may charge for this service.
Important information
It is important to note that any certificate issued by us, on its own, may not be sufficient to allow the marriage or civil partnership to take place.
You must ensure you complete any other legal requirements of the country you chose for your ceremony.
In addition, the local authorities in some countries will not accept the certificate of no impediment if it is dated more than three months from the date of issue.
You must check for any date restrictions and ensure your documents will be acceptable.
Apostille or legalisation stamp
The country where your marriage or civil partnership is taking place may require your certificate of no impediment to have an 'Apostille' or legalisation stamp.
This stamp is put on the document by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which confirms that the document is genuine. You will need to establish whether this is required and allow time to complete this.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is based in Milton Keynes and will only accept documents by post or courier.