How To Get An Updated Marriage Certificate in the UK or US
How to Obtain an Updated Marriage Certificate in the UK and the US
Last updated: 2025
Whether you need a marriage certificate for immigration, visa applications, name changes, or legal procedures in Spain, it’s essential to know how to request a recent, official copy.
This guide explains how to obtain an updated marriage certificate in both the United Kingdom and the United States, step by step.
What Is an “Updated” Marriage Certificate?
An updated marriage certificate is simply a newly issued official copy of your original marriage record.
The document itself does not change over time, but many institutions (immigration offices, embassies, notaries) require a recently issued copy, typically:
Issued within the last 3–6 months
With an apostille (if needed)
With the long-form version (full details)
🇬🇧 1. How to Get an Updated Marriage Certificate in the United Kingdom
Marriage certificates in the UK are managed by:
GRO – General Register Office (England & Wales)
NRS – National Records of Scotland
NIDirect – Northern Ireland
Below is the process for each region.
England & Wales: How to Order a Marriage Certificate
👉 Official website: https://www.gro.gov.uk
Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Create or log into your GRO account | Access your existing GRO account or create a new one to start the order process. |
| Select “Order a certificate” → “Marriage certificate” | Choose the option to request an official copy of a marriage certificate. |
| Enter the required details |
|
| Choose the format |
|
| Pay the fee | Approx. £11 + shipping. |
| Wait for delivery | Usually 3–10 days, depending on the service selected. |
Apostille
If the certificate will be used outside the UK (for immigration to Spain, for example), you must obtain an apostille from the UK Legalisation Office.
👉 https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised
Scotland
👉 Order here: https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/registration/order-certificates
Process
Complete the online request form.
Certificates cost about £12.
Delivery typically takes 5–7 days.
For international use, you need to request an apostille as well.
Northern Ireland
👉 Order here: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/order-life-event-certificate
Process
Fill out the online form with marriage details.
Fee is around £15.
Delivery: 7–10 days.
🇺🇸 2. How to Get an Updated Marriage Certificate in the United States
In the US, marriage records are not federal.
You must request the certificate from the state or county where the marriage took place.
There are two reliable methods:
Method 1: Order Directly from the State Vital Records Office
Every state has its own “Vital Records” department.
Search: “Vital Records + State Name + Marriage Certificate.”
General requirements:
Names of the spouses
Date and county of marriage
Valid ID (passport/driver’s license)
Fee (usually $10–$30)
Delivery time:
Standard processing: 2–8 weeks
Express/priority: 3–10 days (depending on the state)
Apostille
If you need to use the certificate in Spain or the EU, you must obtain a US apostille, which is issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the certificate was issued.
Method 2: Use an Authorized Vendor (VitalChek)
👉 Official website: https://www.vitalchek.com
VitalChek is authorized by most US states and is the easiest option if you live outside the US.
Advantages:
Fast processing
Secure online verification
International delivery
Cost:
State fee + VitalChek service fee (usually + $12–$20)
Important: A “New” Certificate Does Not Mean Updated Information
The marriage certificate will always show the original marriage data:
Names at the time of the wedding
Date
Place
Witnesses
Officiant
Name changes made after the marriage do NOT appear on the certificate.
This is normal and accepted by immigration authorities.
If you changed your name due to marriage, you may also need:
UK: Deed Poll
US: Name Change Court Order or updated passport
Which Type of Certificate Do I Need for Immigration to Spain?
For Spanish immigration procedures, you normally need:
✓ Long-form marriage certificate
✓ Issued within the last 3–6 months
✓ Apostilled
✓ Official translation into Spanish (sworn translator)
