Information Sheet
Emergency Marriages in Hospital
December 2011

Updated information regarding marriages of patients in hospital and the latest guidance notes relevant for England and Wales which share a common marriage law, and are the limit of the Archbishop's jurisdiction to grant Special Marriage Licences.

In Scotland religious marriages can take place anywhere, ministers having the power to marry couples wherever they see fit (including in hospitals, although presumably consent from the hospital authority should be arranged, and subsequent registration of the marriage). Civil weddings in Scotland must take place on registered premises. The General Register Office for Scotland should be able to advise.

The General Register Office of Northern Ireland can advise on the situation in Northern Ireland.

.

This page was updated on 22 December 2011