A UK marriage certificate is a public document issued by a registrar or the General Register Office, so it can go straight to the FCDO for an apostille with no solicitor or notary step, as long as it is the right version.
The rules that matter
- The apostille is attached to the certificate itself, so send the one you plan to use abroad
- The FCDO normally expects the original certificate, or an official certified copy issued by the registry, rather than a photocopy certified by a solicitor
- Marriage certificates are General Register Office documents, so they use the paper apostille route
If you only have a copy
Order an official replacement certified copy from the registrar or the General Register Office before you send it to us. This is usually more useful than trying to certify a photocopy.
Married abroad?
A marriage certificate issued outside the UK cannot be legalised through the UK service. It has to be legalised in the country that issued it.
What to check with the receiving authority
Ask whether it needs a translation, whether the certificate must be recently issued, and whether it wants any other documents apostilled at the same time, such as birth certificates.
Cost
Our apostille price is £100 per document, including the FCDO fee and tracked return. Notarisation or solicitor certification, where needed, is quoted separately before you pay. See our pricing page for details.
See our pricing, how it works and FAQ. Related guides: Birth certificates, Spain, Italy.
Sources and review
Reviewed on 30 October 2026. Requirements can change, so check current official guidance and the receiving authority’s instructions before you order.
Apostille Help is a private service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the FCDO. Document suitability and overseas acceptance need to be checked for each order.