Britpick Question

[amberfocus]

What are the legalities of eloping in the U.K.? Do you need to get the marriage license a certain number of days ahead of time? Do you need to have lived in residence in the city you are eloping in for a certain number of days before you can marry there? I seem to remember reading something along those lines. Or can you just show up at the registrar's office and go to it like you could at a chapel in Las Vegas? Is there anywhere in the U.K. that is like Las Vegas where you can get married that same day? This question is not for Zeppelins so don't go getting any ideas! *smiles* Thanks in advance.

Comments

[solarflar3.livejournal.com]

If you are going to elope, most people go to Gretna Green. Now you cant get married over the anvil any more there, but you can have a civil ceremony and have the anvil as symbolic. Kinda romantic I think.

I think you need to give notice of 2 weeks, so as to have your banns posted. Not 100% sure, but my niece got married in Gretna and I seem to remember that they have to be there 2 weeks prior to do so.

For a local civil ceremony, you have to give notice about 6 weeks prior at the registry office. You can get a marriage licence with enables you to get married after 48 hours I think it is.

But if it is eloping, then it's traditionally Gretna.