Losing everyday paperwork is annoying, but misplacing documents that relate to major personal events can cause genuine worry. Items like birth or marriage certificates fall into this category because they are commonly needed to verify identity and marital status in situations such as:

• applying for travel documents or a driving licence,
• registering for education,
• opening financial accounts,
• submitting visa applications,
• formalising a marriage,
• accessing state benefits, and
• completing financial or legal procedures, including home loan applications.

When a marriage certificate goes missing, it is very common for people to urgently ask:
“What can I do to get another copy of my marriage certificate in the UK?”

A key point to understand is that the original document will not be re-issued. Instead, individuals can request a certified duplicate. This is an official reproduction of the initial certificate, endorsed by an authorised official to confirm that it accurately reflects the original. A certified copy carries legal weight and is recognised by public bodies, financial institutions, and other organisations as valid evidence of marriage.

This article outlines how to obtain a certified copy of a UK marriage certificate if the original has been lost, including practical steps, requirements, and useful tips. It also describes how 银杏顾问 Ginkgo Advisory can help arrange an Apostille for clients who need to present their documents in another country.

Which Authority Issues Marriage Certificates in the UK? (GRO, NRS, GRONI)

In the United Kingdom, the authority that issues marriage certificates depends on where the marriage was registered. Below is a breakdown of the organisations responsible in England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, including where to order a replacement marriage certificate online.

England and Wales – General Register Office (GRO)

For marriages registered in England or Wales, certified copies are issued by the General Register Office (GRO).

The GRO maintains the national register of:

• births
• adoptions
• marriages
• civil partnerships
• deaths

You can apply for a replacement marriage certificate online through the official GRO service here:
https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/

Scotland – National Records of Scotland (NRS)

In Scotland, marriage certificates are issued by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).

You can order a certified copy of a Scottish marriage certificate through:

• the Scotland’s People online service, or
• your local registration office

Useful links:

• Scotland’s People: https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/
• National Records of Scotland: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/

Northern Ireland – General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI)

For marriages registered in Northern Ireland, certified copies are issued by the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (GRONI).

GRONI allows applicants to order marriage certificates:

• online
• by post
• in person

More information and ordering options can be found here:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/contacts-az/general-register-office-for-northern-ireland

6-Step Process for Requesting a Certified Copy of a UK Marriage Certificate

If you need to replace a lost marriage certificate or obtain a new certified copy, the application generally involves the following steps:

1. Collect the necessary details
2. Decide how you want to apply (online or by post)
3. Fill out the application form
4. Make the required payment
5. Wait for the certificate to be issued and delivered
6. If needed, arrange an apostille for international use

1. Collect the necessary details

To request a certified copy of a UK marriage certificate, you will need to provide basic details about the marriage, including when and where it happened, who was involved, and, if possible, the official reference number. Supplying accurate information helps ensure the record can be located quickly.

Confirm the Location of the Marriage

You will need to specify where the marriage was registered. This could be:

• England or Wales
• Another region of the UK or the British Isles
• Overseas, but recorded through British military, consular or diplomatic services

This determines which authority holds the record and which application process applies.

Provide the Date or Year of the Marriage

The registration year must be stated, even if the exact date is unknown.

If you are unsure of the precise year, you can give an approximate year.
The General Register Office will search:

• The year you specify
• The year before
• The year after

For instance, if you enter “2000,” a search will be run for 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Submit the GRO Reference Number (Optional)

You do not need the GRO index number to request a certificate, but including it can reduce fees and speed up processing.

If you don’t have the reference number, you can still submit an application — it simply means the record will need to be located manually.

Provide Details of Both Parties to the Marriage

You will need to supply identifying information for both individuals, including:

• Names as they were at the time of marriage
• The date of the marriage
• The location of the ceremony

These are used to confirm the correct record.

Provide Parents’ Details

Information about one parent for each party is also required, including their name at the time of the marriage.

Rules differ by date of marriage:

• For marriages before 4 May 2021, only the father’s name can be entered.
• For marriages on or after 4 May 2021, both the mother’s and father’s names may be included.
  However, online forms typically allow only one parent per person to be entered.

If You Are Unsure About Some Details

If any information is uncertain, it may be worth contacting the relevant authority before applying, especially if you do not have the reference number, to avoid delays or search fees.

2. Decide How You Want to Apply

There are several ways to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate in the UK, but most people find that applying online is the fastest and most straightforward option. Other methods, such as post or telephone, are also available for those who prefer not to use online services.

Online Application (Fastest and Cheapest)

The quickest way to obtain a marriage certificate is to use the official General Register Office (GRO) online system.

To apply online, you will need to:

1. Visit the GRO website
2. Create an account or sign in
3. Select the option for a marriage certificate
4. Provide key details, such as the names of both parties, the date, and the place of the marriage
5. Pay the fee using a debit or credit card

If you do not have the GRO index reference number, you can still submit the application, although it may cost slightly more and take longer to process.

Telephone Application

If you prefer to apply by phone, the GRO accepts orders during office hours.
You can call: 0300 123 1837

A representative will take your details, process the request, and arrange payment.

Postal Application

You can also request a certificate by sending an application through the post.
To do this, download the form from the GRO website, complete it, and mail it with payment.

Accepted payment methods for postal applications usually include:

• cheque
• postal order
• international bankers draft (in sterling)
• or card details written on the form

Cash payments are not accepted for postal applications.

3. Fill Out the Application Form

Once you have chosen your application method, you will need to complete the form by providing the essential information about the marriage. This typically includes the names of both individuals, the date of the ceremony, and where it took place. After entering these details, you will be prompted to make payment so that the request can be processed.

4. Pay the Fees

Once the application details have been submitted, you will need to pay the relevant fee so that your order can be processed.

Payment Options

• Online applications are paid by debit or credit card.
• Postal applications do not accept cash, but may allow payment by:
  • postal order
  • cheque
  • international bankers draft (in sterling, payable to HM Passport Office)
  • card details entered on the form

The payment method you use will depend on how you apply.

Costs, Delivery Options and Processing Times

Many people only discover a missing certificate when they urgently need it, so quick turnaround is a common concern.

Processing times and fees will vary depending on:

• whether you can provide the GRO index reference number, and
• whether you choose priority or standard processing

Below is a summary of the main service levels available for online applications.

Priority Service (Online)

GRO Index Provided?	Certificate Fee	Additional Delivery Fee	Dispatch Time
No	£42.00	+£8.00 (1st Class) or +£21.50 (Saturday 9am)	Next working day
Yes	£38.50	+£8.00 or +£21.50	Next working day

Key notes:

• Priority service normally includes 1st Class postage in the price.
• Royal Mail Special Delivery and Saturday 9am services cost extra, covering up to five certificates per shipment.
• Saturday morning delivery requires ordering before 4pm on Thursday, and is only available to UK addresses.

Standard Service (Online)

GRO Index Provided?	Certificate Fee	Delivery Fee	Dispatch Time
No	£16.00	Included (2nd Class)	Within 15 working days
Yes	£12.50	Included (2nd Class)	Within 4 working days

Key notes:

• Standard service includes 2nd Class postage at no extra cost.
• No additional delivery fees apply.
• If you do not have the reference number, expect a longer turnaround.

Additional Information About Fees and Services

A few important points to be aware of:

• If the GRO needs to search for the record because no index number is provided, an additional £3.50 search fee applies.
• Ordering multiple copies of the same certificate together costs the same price per copy.
• If the GRO cannot locate the record, a £4.00 administrative fee is retained.
• Refunds, if issued, only cover the certificate cost, not admin charges.
• Orders placed after 4pm are treated as received on the next working day.

What If I Need to Use My UK Marriage Certificate Overseas?

There are many situations where a UK marriage certificate may need to be submitted outside the United Kingdom — for example, to support immigration applications, employment abroad, marriage formalities in another country, or residency and citizenship processes.

Before a foreign authority accepts a UK marriage certificate, they often require proof that the official who issued it is a legitimate public officer in the United Kingdom. In practice, this proof is typically provided through an apostille certificate.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a form of international authentication issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
It confirms that:

• the signature,
• stamp, or
• seal

on a UK public document is authentic, and that the person who signed it was authorised to do so.

An apostille allows your document to be recognised in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, giving overseas authorities confidence that the document is genuine and legally valid.

How to Obtain an Apostille for a UK Marriage Certificate

There are two main routes for legalisation:

1. Apply directly to the FCDO

Individuals can submit their documents to the FCDO Legalisation Office.
The standard processing time is up to 15 working days, not including postage and handling.

This option may be cost-effective but can be slow, especially if paperwork is urgent.

2. Use a Professional Legalisation Service

At 银杏顾问 Ginkgo Advisory, we simplify the process by managing the entire legalisation procedure on your behalf.
Our service can include:

• solicitor certification (if required),
• submitting documents to the FCDO,
• monitoring progress, and
• returning the apostilled documents to you or sending them overseas.

We offer:

• premium next-day apostille service for urgent cases, and
• standard 5-working-day service for non-urgent applications

Providing a fast, reliable and discreet solution for both individuals and businesses who need documents legalised for international use.

Conclusion

Replacing a lost marriage certificate may seem daunting, but the UK has well-established systems in place to request an official copy quickly. Whether you apply online, by post, or over the phone, the process is generally simple to follow and supported by the relevant authorities in each region: the General Register Office (GRO) for England and Wales, National Records of Scotland (NRS) for Scottish registrations, and GRONI for Northern Ireland.

Certified copies of marriage certificates are fully valid legal documents and are recognised by UK government departments, financial institutions and other official bodies in the same way as original certificates.

If the document is intended for use overseas – for immigration, marriage, legal matters, or employment – you may also need an apostille to verify its authenticity for international use.

If you require assistance in obtaining a UK marriage certificate, or arranging for it to be legalised with an apostille, 银杏顾问 Ginkgo Advisory can help. Our team can manage the entire process for you, including expedited options for urgent cases.

For enquiries or support, please contact us:

📩 Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
🌐 Website: www.ginkgoadvisory.com

We’re happy to assist.