When a marriage has taken place abroad, it will be recognised as valid in the United Kingdom if the marriage complied with all the matrimonial laws of the foreign country.

This principle is called “Lex Loci Celebrationis” and it means “the law of the land in which the marriage took place”.

Therefore, the validity of the marriage in the UK will depend upon whether the local law in the foreign country has been followed.

It is possible for an application to be made to the court under Section 55 of the Family Law Act 1986 for the court to make an official declaration of validity.

A foreign marriage being recognised by UK law is particularly important in the event of a relationship breakdown. English law will only govern the divorce procedure if the marriage is recognised as valid in the UK.

If you would like any further information or advice in relation to UK matrimonial law, please contact our specialist family lawyers: Mark Vandaele on 01902 796930 (mvandaele@georgegreen.co.uk) at our Wolverhampton office or Rachel Baker on 01384 340 580 (rbaker@georgegreen.co.uk at our Cradley Heath office.