Yes. Arranged marriage is legal in the UK. Forced marriage is not. An arranged marriage, where families introduce a match and both people freely agree, is completely lawful. A forced marriage, where one or both people don't or can't consent and pressure or abuse is used, is a criminal offence that can carry up to 7 years in prison. In England and Wales, arranging any marriage for someone under 18 is also illegal, even with no pressure at all.
What Does UK Law Actually Say?
The UK doesn't regulate how couples are introduced. Parents, relatives, a matchmaker or a marriage bureau can all suggest a match. The law cares about consent.
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it a criminal offence in England, Wales and Scotland to force someone to marry. Northern Ireland covers this under separate legislation. According to UK government guidance, the offence includes:
- using pressure, threats or abuse to make someone marry
- taking someone overseas to force them to marry, whether or not the marriage takes place
- doing anything intended to make a child marry before their 18th birthday, with or without coercion
- getting someone married who lacks the mental capacity to consent
Separately, a person at risk, or someone on their behalf, can apply to the family court for a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO). This is a civil order that can, for example, stop someone being taken abroad.
What Is the Minimum Marriage Age in the UK?
- England and Wales: 18, with no exceptions. This has applied since 27 February 2023 under the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022. Parental consent no longer makes an under-18 marriage possible, and that includes religious or "unofficial" ceremonies.
- Scotland: 16. Parental consent isn't required.
For families, this means a nikah or engagement ceremony for anyone under 18 in England and Wales can itself break the law, even if the young person seems willing.
Where Does an Arranged Marriage Cross the Line?
Our explainer on what a rishta and an arranged marriage are covers the basic difference between arranged and forced marriage. UK guidance adds that pressure doesn't have to be physical. It can be:
- Emotional or psychological: making someone feel they'll bring "shame" (sharam, izzat) on the family if they refuse
- Physical: threats or violence
- Financial: for example, taking control of someone's wages
In practice, warning signs include a "holiday" to Pakistan with no clear return date, a passport being held by relatives, or a rishta that "can't be refused because the families have already agreed." If any of these sound familiar, the arrangement has moved beyond an arranged marriage.
Getting Married in Pakistan as a British Citizen
Many British Pakistani families hold the nikah in Pakistan. That's legal, as long as both people consent and are old enough. Two points matter:
- UK law follows British nationals abroad. Taking someone overseas to force them into marriage is an offence in itself, even if the marriage never happens.
- The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gives consular help to British nationals overseas, including dual nationals, so British Pakistanis in Pakistan can get support.
Where to Get Help
If you, or someone you know, is being pressured into a marriage:
- In an emergency in the UK, call 999.
- Forced Marriage Unit: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151 · [email protected]. The FMU is a joint Foreign Office and Home Office unit that helps people in the UK and British nationals abroad.
- GOV.UK's forced marriage guidance has full details and support resources.
How Families Keep an Arranged Marriage Fair
The arranged marriages that work well in British Pakistani families tend to share a few habits:
- The young person is in the room from the start, not told after the families have decided.
- "No" is a complete answer. Declining a rishta closes it without anyone needing to justify the decision.
- There's real time to talk. Calls, video chats and family meetings happen before anything is confirmed.
- Everyone is 18 or over before any engagement or nikah.
That's how we work at Wyaah. Families introduce, matchmakers vet profiles, and nothing moves forward without both people saying yes. UK-based families can find more on our UK page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is arranged marriage legal in the UK?
A: Yes. Arranged marriage, where families introduce a match and both people freely consent, is legal across the UK.
Q: Is forced marriage illegal in the UK?
A: Yes. Forcing someone to marry has been a criminal offence since the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and can carry up to 7 years in prison.
Q: What is the legal age to marry in England?
A: 18. Since 27 February 2023, nobody under 18 can marry in England or Wales, even with parental consent, and that includes religious ceremonies.
Q: Is it illegal to take someone to Pakistan to marry them?
A: Marrying in Pakistan with full consent is legal. Taking someone overseas to force them into marriage is a criminal offence under UK law, whether or not the marriage takes place.
Q: Who can help if I'm being pressured to marry?
A: Call 999 in an emergency, or contact the Forced Marriage Unit on +44 (0) 20 7008 0151 or [email protected].
Key Takeaways
- Arranged marriage is legal in the UK. Forced marriage is a crime carrying up to 7 years in prison.
- In England and Wales, 18 is the minimum age for any marriage, including religious ones.
- Pressure counts even if it isn't physical. Emotional "shame" pressure and financial control qualify too.
- Taking someone abroad to force a marriage is itself an offence.
