What is a void marriage?

A void marriage is a marriage that never existed from the start. Although a void marriage is automatically invalid, it is still necessary to commence nullity proceedings to annul the marriage.

Unlike divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, it is possible to apply for an annulment within the first year of the marriage.

A marriage will be void if:

You are closely related to the person you married. For example, an aunt marrying a nephew.

Either party was under 18 at the time of the marriage (or under the age of 16 if the marriage took place before February 2023).

If either party was already married or in a civil partnership.