An Essex Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 87)

100 A s a family lawyer, I have the pleasure of working with people at all stages of their relationships,” says Kayleigh. “Starting from when they begin living together and want to agree how to manage their joint lives, to having or adopting children and beyond. As a fellow bride-to-be, I know all too well how time consuming planning a wedding can be, but at the heart of it, it’s the union of two parties and their families which is most important. But what are the legal consequences which flow from marriage and what are the top 10 questions to ask before you say ‘I do’?” Will our wedding ceremony result in a legal marriage? For a marriage to be legally recognised in England and Wales, it must comply with certain legal formalities. To start with, you and your intended need to be over 18 (or 16, provided you have your parents’ permission) and not already married or in a civil partnership. You should also consider your choice of venue, as the wedding ceremony which gives rise to a legal marriage needs to be licensed for marriage. Register offices and churches belonging to the Church of England and Wales are approved premises, as are many other venues (such as stately homes, barns and castles) provided that they have been approved by the local authority. Some, but not all, mosques, Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras are registered buildings – but it is always advisable to check this with the venue. Not to worry if you have your heart set on a venue which is not approved, you can still host your wedding ceremony there but you will need to have a civil or church ceremony as well, for the marriage to be considered legal. What if we get married abroad? It is increasingly common to meet couples who are due to wed overseas. For a foreign Kayleigh Biswas is a Family Law specialist at award-winning Rayden (raydensolicitors.co.uk) with particular expertise advising on cohabitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, separation and arrangements for children. Rayden Solicitors have offices in St Albans, Berkhamsted and Beaconsfield and can assist with family law issues (including those with international elements) nationwide. QUESTION TIME! Kayleigh Biswas, a family law specialist at award-winning Rayden Solicitors, advises on the 10 legal questions to ask before you get married! “