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# In order to marry in the UK, you need...
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/in-order-to-marry-in-the-uk-you-need/
- Published: 2008-01-11T16:01:56.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:39:02.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:31

**Jon Bright (London,** [**OK**](http://ourkingdom.opendemocracy.net/?ref=opendemocracy.net)**):** Hat-tip to [Zohra Moosa](http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/zohra%5Fmoosa/profile.html?ref=opendemocracy.net) for alerting me to [this EDM](http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=34779&SESSION=891&ref=opendemocracy.net) which attempts to correct an absurd injustice in the UK's marriage laws. Currently, if you want to get married in the UK, you need:

a) to be a UK citizen, or

b) to want to do it in an Anglican church, or

c) to have a spare £295 per person

That's right: immigrants who don't wish to marry in an Anglican church need to buy a "Certificate of Approval", at the above price. This is nothing to do with their immigration status - they might be visiting students, have temporary visas, etc. - and they gain no immigration status enhancement by marrying here. So why the punitive tax on those not of the correct faith? Well done to [Mark Durkan](http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/mark%5Fdurkan/foyle?ref=opendemocracy.net) for tabling.