Divorce without a marriage certificate

Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 13 August 2026England & Wales

The court needs a certified copy of your marriage certificate, but you do not need the original. If yours is lost, you can order a certified copy, and for overseas marriages an official copy plus a certified translation is usually required.

CalmSplit tells you exactly which document you need and prepares your divorce application for a one-off £159 while you obtain it.

  • A certified copy is accepted; the original is not required
  • UK certificates can be ordered from the General Register Office
  • Foreign certificates usually need a certified translation
CalmSplit fee
£159one-off, per person

One-off CalmSplit fee. HMCTS court fees are paid separately to the court.

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Getting a replacement UK certificate

  • Order online from the General Register Office or the register office where you married
  • You will need names, the date and the place of the marriage
  • Standard delivery typically takes several working days
  • Photocopies and photographs are not accepted

Marriages that took place abroad

You will normally need an official copy of the foreign marriage certificate and, if it is not in English, a certified translation. Some countries take weeks to issue copies, so start early.

Start preparing now

You can complete your CalmSplit answers while the certificate is on its way, so the application is ready to submit as soon as it arrives.

Frequently asked questions

No. The court requires a certified copy issued by the register office.

Related CalmSplit pages

Check suitability

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