Wedding in Las Vegas - legal?

[notsohot]

We got married in 1994 in a civil ceremony in Las Vegas, have paperwork. I just have this nagging worry that our marriage isn't considered legal in UK. I'm thinking from the point of view of pensions, inheritence and DDs in the future. After we got home we contacted a local registrar to see if we needed to do anything in the Uk to get out marriage 'recognised' but they weren't helpful. Should we see a solicitor?

[mumblechum1]

Your marriage is legally recognised in the UK.

The general rule is that if the marriage was considered fully legal in the country in which it took place, it will be recognised in the UK courts. Where people come unstuck is where, for example, they have an Islamic ceremony in the UK which, had it taken place in say Pakistan would be legal, but because it took place in the UK isn't recognised because it isn't done at a Register Office or other designated place such as a hotel with a weddings licence.

[AnnoyingOrange]

You can also deposit your marriage certificate with the General Register Office

www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/births-deaths-marriages-civil/marriage-and-civil-partnerships/

[notsohot]

Thanks to you both - so we are married. Dh has been on about having a Uk registry wedding ...

[mumblechum1]

Only if you fancy a party and a posh dress for the hell of it .

I'm surprised the solicitor you saw didn't tell you this straight; it's pretty much the first chapter of the book on divorce law.

[mumblechum1]

Oops misread your OP, I see it was the registrar, not a solicitor you consulted.

[notsohot]

Thanks Mumblechum , we got married in Las Vegas to avoid the party, not my sort of thing

[savoycabbage]

In 'Friends' Phoebe thinks Las Vegas weddings aren't legal but they are.

[Gigondas]

Yes - for reasons mumble chum said. You need a licence first (involved paying about 50 dollars and registrarimg details at a town office). You then gave this to registrar at actual wedding place (this was about 5 years ago) but it was that extra licence I think that was the important part under Nevada law link. We then got a copy of certificate and apostille sent by post .