Lost marriage certificate and divorce

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

A lost certificate is a small administrative problem, not a barrier. Order a certified copy from the register office where you married, or from the General Register Office, and your divorce can proceed as normal.

CalmSplit lets you complete your application questions now for a one-off £159 and submit once your replacement certificate arrives.

  • Replacement certificates are inexpensive and quick to order
  • You can prepare your application in the meantime
  • Foreign certificates take longer, so start early
CalmSplit fee
£159one-off, per person

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

Check suitability

Start free and pay £159 only when you are ready to prepare your application.

See how it works

What you need to order a copy

  • Full names of both spouses at the time of the marriage
  • The date of the marriage, or an approximate year
  • The place of the marriage, ideally the register office district
  • A card payment for the certificate fee

How long it takes

Online orders from the General Register Office are typically dispatched within a few working days, with priority options available. Local register offices sometimes offer same-day collection.

If the marriage was overseas

Contact the civil registry in the country where you married. Allow extra time and budget for a certified English translation if the certificate is in another language.

Frequently asked questions

The court requires a certified copy, not a scan or photocopy.

Related CalmSplit pages

Check suitability

Start free and pay £159 only when you are ready to prepare your application.

Start free
Start your divorce – £159