Changing your name after marrying abroad

GOV.UK says a marriage or civil partnership abroad is recognised in the UK if it was lawful in the country where it took place and would be allowed under UK law. The local authorities register it, and you get your certificate through the person who conducted the ceremony. A ceremony at a British embassy, high commission or consulate is the exception: it’s registered in UK records and you get a UK certificate. GOV.UK: register your marriage or civil partnership abroad

Otherwise, GOV.UK says you can’t get a UK marriage certificate for a marriage abroad, so the foreign certificate is the proof you’ll use. Councils such as Wandsworth suggest getting extra certificates, and translations if you need them, while you’re still there. Wandsworth Council: getting married abroad

• Your certificate isn’t in English. You’d need a certified translation for the Passport Office, and other organisations may ask for one too. A deed poll is already in English.
• Your certificate doesn’t show both names clearly. The Passport Office needs to see the link between your old and new names. A deed poll states both in full.
• You only had a celebration certificate. If the ceremony wasn’t a legal marriage, you aren’t married in law, so you’d take your partner’s surname with a deed poll, just like a couple who haven’t married.
• You want more than a straight surname swap. A blended surname, your maiden name as a middle name or a new first name needs a deed poll wherever you married.

• UK visa or eVisa? Your new name needs updating with UK Visas and Immigration too. Our guide to changing your name on your eVisa explains.
• Another nationality? The other country may have its own rules on names, so check before you apply. Our guide to dual nationality covers it.
• Living abroad permanently? GOV.UK says you can’t change your name by deed poll if you’re a permanent resident overseas.