Arranged marriages are generally planned and agreed between two families. This is a practice that has been carried out for hundreds of years in some communities and has produced many successful unions. The following article explains whether arranged marriages are legal in the UK, and what protection is offered to those who are forced to marry against their will.
Arranged marriages are generally planned and agreed between two families. This is a practice that has been carried out for hundreds of years in some communities and has produced many successful unions. The following article explains whether arranged marriages are legal in the UK, and what protection is offered to those who are forced to marry against their will.
If you have concerns about a family law matter and you feel you need legal advice, contact specialist family solicitor Mark Heptinstall of Slater Heelis Solicitors. He is recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in The Legal 500 and ranked in Chambers UK, and is described as having “the amazing ability to bring calm into troubled waters”.
Is arranged marriage illegal in the UK?
Are arranged marriages legal in the UK is a question that often sparks confusion. The answer is nuanced: arranged marriages are legal, provided they are entered into freely by both parties. However, forced marriages are a different matter entirely — and they are illegal.
In this article, we’ll explore the distinction between arranged and forced marriage, provide real-life examples, and offer guidance for those seeking help. We’ll also touch on legal protections like the forced marriage protection order, the emotional stress victims face, and the gaslighting tactics often used to manipulate them.
Is there a difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage?
An arranged marriage should not be confused with a forced marriage. In an arranged marriage, the family finds a marriage partner for their son or daughter, with both parties being free to choose whether or not to enter into marriage. Arranged marriages are perfectly legal in the UK, whilst a forced marriage, since it does not allow the right of refusal, is illegal.
What is the difference between arranged and forced marriage?
Before going any further, it is important to distinguish the key difference between the two:
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An arranged marriage involves the families playing a role in choosing a partner, but both individuals give full, informed consent.
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A forced marriage occurs when one or both individuals are coerced into marrying against their will. This coercion can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial.
So, to clarify the main question: are arranged marriages legal in the UK? Yes, as long as there is genuine consent. If not, it becomes a forced marriage, which is illegal under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
How do forced marriages happen?
Forced marriage is when a person faces emotional, physical, or psychological pressure to marry so that they are made to feel as though they are bringing shame on the family if they act against the orders of their parents. It can happen secretly, and most occurs often when parents take their British children aboard, usually on the pretext of a holiday. It also happens via the intervention of family or religious leaders, and can involve physical, sexual, or emotional threats and abuse.
Real-life stories: The impact of forced marriage
Although the majority of forced marriages come from a South Asian background, new statistics show an increase of people from a Romanian background reporting crime.
To understand the devastating toll of forced marriage, we look at two real-life scenarios:
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In an article by Sky News, the number of men being forced into marriage in the UK reached a seven-year high. One case involved a young man being drugged and sent abroad to marry a woman he had never met. The emotional stress he suffered led to long-term trauma, including anxiety and estrangement from his family.
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In a report by Birmingham Mail, a mother shares her harrowing experience of being married off at 19. She describes how gaslighting was used to make her believe she had no choice, leading to years of silent suffering before she was able to escape.
These stories are not isolated. In 2023 alone, hundreds of cases were reported to the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), highlighting the persistent nature of this issue across communities in the UK. The country with the highest number of cases of forced marriage was Pakistan with 769 (44%) of the total, followed by Bangladesh with 157 cases.
Does UK law protect people who are forced to marry against their will?
It is a criminal offence to force a person to marry someone against their will and families who flout the law can face severe penalties. Officers are routinely stationed at major airports across the UK in a bid to prevent victims being removed from the country. They have the power to question individuals leaving the country as to the purpose of their proposed visit overseas in order to determine whether there are any suspicious circumstances.
The court can be asked to issue a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO), with each order being unique to the individual circumstances, allowing it to be tailored accordingly. A court may order someone to relinquish their passport or reveal the whereabouts of a child, for example, and in an emergency, an order can be made to protect a child immediately.
If you fear being forced into a marriage and taken out of the country, you should contact the police, or the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) which operates both inside the UK and overseas, where consular assistance can be provided. There is also a public helpline that provides advice and support to victims of forced marriage which ranges from providing safety advice to helping a forced marriage victim prevent their unwanted spouses moving to the UK.
What is the penalty for breaking forced marriage laws?
Breaking forced marriage laws carries a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 7 years. It can also penalise perpetrators who are living in other countries if the victim is a UK national. In addition, other laws, such as an FMPO, allow victims of forced marriages to make a claim in the civil or criminal court. And if the victim has been removed from the UK and forced into a marriage overseas, UK law enforcement can travel to their location in order to arrest the perpetrators and take them to the UK to be dealt with.
Who is at risk of forced marriage?
Victims of forced marriage tend to be aged between 13 and 30, but there is no “typical” victim, as both genders can be subjected to it. Forced marriage is an offence where victims are often subjected to violence, coercion, and duress. It is very different to the practice of arranged marriage, where both parties consent.
How to escape a forced marriage
Escaping a forced marriage is not easy — especially when victims are isolated or under close surveillance. But support is available.
Here are some steps victims can take:
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Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) – A joint initiative between the Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office that offers confidential advice and assistance.
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Apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) – A forced marriage protection order can prevent someone from being taken abroad or forced into marriage, and can impose restrictions on the perpetrators.
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Contact a solicitor – Legal professionals can offer guidance on your rights, including housing, divorce, child custody, and protection.
In emergency situations, dial 999. For confidential support, charities like Karma Nirvana and Southall Black Sisters provide refuge and advocacy.
How can a solicitor help with a forced marriage?
A solicitor can be a lifeline for victims. Their support includes:
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Applying for a forced marriage protection order
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Representing victims in family court to obtain custody of children or prevent them being taken overseas
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Providing advice on how to separate safely, especially in cases involving gaslighting and emotional stress
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Helping with divorce proceedings, including legal aid applications when victims lack access to finances.
It is common for victims of forced marriage to have no control over money. In such cases, legal aid may be available. While divorce costs in the UK typically range from £593 for a court application fee, plus solicitor fees if required, legal aid may cover some or all expenses for those unable to pay.
Solicitors trained in domestic abuse and family law understand the unique challenges faced by forced marriage victims and will act swiftly and confidentially.
The legal position: Are arranged marriages legal in the UK if under pressure?
In some cases, the pressure to marry may not involve threats of violence but rather emotional pressure and gaslighting — subtle yet harmful tactics used to manipulate. If someone agrees to marry under pressure because of fear of shame, ostracism, or dishonouring the family, this could still amount to a forced marriage.
The court will assess whether true consent was given. If not, the marriage could be annulled, and the perpetrators prosecuted. In such cases, even if a marriage ceremony took place abroad, UK law can still apply, particularly if the person is a British national or permanent resident.
To reiterate, are arranged marriages legal in the UK when they involve pressure or manipulation? No. Consent must be freely given — anything less may cross the line into illegality.
Final word: Is arranged marriage illegal in the UK?
So, is arranged marriage illegal in the UK? The simple answer is no — arranged marriages are not illegal when both parties give free and informed consent. It is a cultural tradition that many British communities observe with full respect for individual autonomy.
However, when that autonomy is compromised — through coercion, threat, or gaslighting — the marriage becomes a forced marriage, which is illegal and subject to serious legal consequences.
For those trapped in such circumstances, there is support — both legal and emotional. From forced marriage protection orders to safe housing and divorce support, help is available. While divorce costs may seem daunting, legal aid ensures that financial barriers do not prevent escape or justice.
Are arranged marriages legal in the UK? Yes — but only when choice, dignity, and respect are at the heart of the union.
Need help?
If you or someone you know is at risk of a forced marriage, contact:
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Forced Marriage Unit (FMU): 020 7008 0151
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Karma Nirvana: 0800 5999 247
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Southall Black Sisters: 020 8571 9595
In an emergency, always call 999
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