Emma's answers to Marrying twice

Question

Please can you tell me if it is possible to marry the same person twice? I ask this because a friend of mine married her boyfriend last year and they didn't tell anyone. However, now people are suggesting it's about time they tied the knot! They seem to think it would be a good idea to go and do it all again. Is this allowed?

Answer

This is a relatively unusual situation so I would certainly recommend obtaining advice from your local register office or church.

It is possible for a couple who are already married to each other to marry again, in accordance with the law. However, the registrar would want to know the reason why they were choosing to do this, and would explain the various implications. Their marital status would appear on the new certificate, so being married already would be fairly difficult for them to keep a secret.

For further advice, visit the website of the General Register Office for England and Wales (www.gro.gov.uk)

Emma x