Marrying abroad

[northj]

Mr A is married, split 1 year ago, wife refuses to divorce so Mr A must wait at least 5 years to divorce without permission.
Mr A has since fallen in love with Miss B. Miss B knows situation. They wish to marry and are happy to wait til divorce granted (whenever that is)
Mr A wonders if they marry abroad eg Italy, Carribean etc, would it be breaking the law if the foreign marriage ceremony isnt recognised in the UK? (they would register marriage legally in UK once Mr A is divorced)
"The things people do for love!"

[Buenchico]

I can't see that the couple would be breaking any UK laws by going through a marriage ceremony abroad. However, in most countries, that's all that they would be doing: 'going through a marriage ceremony'. They wouldn't actually be getting married.

Most countries recognise the validity of UK marriages and have laws against bigamy. Therefore, if Mr A and Miss B went through a marriage ceremony abroad, the 'marriage' would be unlawful, meaning that it could never be recognised in the UK (even after Mr A got his divorce). Additionally, Mr A (and possibly Miss B) could risk prosecution abroad.

Chris

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, like chris says, it would just be a ceremony, nothing official. But hey, it would sure annoy wife MrsA. The best thing to do would be to try to persuade MrsA for a divorce. If she isnt playing ball just refer her to a mental asylum or make her life as awkward as you can in other ways. She is obviously a very bitter woman and doesnt want to see you happy. Good luck with your new girl. A mate of mine had the same trouble as you and the only way he got her to sign the papers was to offer her a cash incentive...

[Ethel]

It would be virtually impossible to arrange.

Any country requires an affidavit, statutory declaration or a certificate of no impediment before they will carry out a marriage ceremony.

Many countries also require a period of residency.

Be warned that even if you intend only a 'ceremony' with no legal status, making false declarations in any country is fraud.

[netibiza]

You normally have to have a civil wedding abroad unless you are of the main religion and then a blessing if you want frills. All perfectly legal once registered in England