Marriages that took place outside England are, by and large, valid under English law provided that:
- Both people had the capacity (in terms of age, marital status and consent) to marry under the law of their domicile; and
- The marriage ceremony that the parties undertook complies with the formalities of the law of the country in which they married.
Recognition is important as it affects issues such as the right to inherit, tax, welfare benefits, nationality and the status of children to name but a few. Polygamous marriages (whether actually polygamous or potentially polygamous) may in certain circumstances be recognised in England. This is a complex area which requires specialist advice.