anchor.diff:  - your [full birth certificate](/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate) or [naturalisation certificate](/get-replacement-citizenship-certificate)
   - proof of residence, such as a residence certificate - check with the consulate to find out what you need
   
  -If you’ve been divorced, widowed or previously in a civil partnership, you’ll also need whichever of the following documents is appropriate:
  +If you’ve been divorced, widowed or previously in a civil partnership, you'll also need to bring the appropriate original document:
   
   - a [decree absolute or final order](/copy-decree-absolute-final-order)
   - a civil partnership dissolution or annulment certificate
  
positive.code: %The name on all documents you provide must appear exactly as they do on your passport - if not, the authorities may refuse to allow the ceremony to go ahead. You may need to provide evidence if the name on your passport is different to your birth certificate (eg marriage or civil partnership certificate, or deed poll).%
  
  You should check if your civil status declaration needs to be legalised (certified as genuine) by the local authorities in Switzerland.
  
negative.code: ##Before you start
  
  s1. Contact the Civil Register Office where you’re getting married to find out about the availability of dates, local laws and what documents you’ll need.
  
  s2. Contact the [Swiss Embassy in London](https://www.eda.admin.ch/london) to start the marriage process.
  
  
  ^You should [get legal advice](/government/publications/switzerland-list-of-lawyers) and check the [travel advice for Switzerland](/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland) before making any plans.^
  
  ##What you need to do
  
  You may need to provide a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or a civil status declaration to prove you're allowed to marry in Switzerland.
  
  ### Get a CNI
  
  To get a CNI, make an appointment at your [local register office](/register-offices) to give notice of your marriage. A CNI costs £35.
   
  ^Contact your local register office to find out what you need to do if you live in [Scotland](http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/files/registration/reglist.pdf), [Northern Ireland](http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/government-citizens-and-rights/births-and-registration/district-registrars-in-northern-ireland.htm), [Isle of Man](http://www.gov.im/registries/general/civilregistry), [Jersey](http://www.gov.je/pages/contacts.aspx?contactId=71) or [Guernsey.](http://www.guernseyroyalcourt.gg/article/1663/Contact-Us)^
   
  You’ll need to bring [certain documents](/marriages-civil-partnerships/documents-to-take-to-the-register-office) with you to your appointment.
   
  Your notice will be publicly displayed in the register office for 28 days. You can collect your CNI after this if nobody registers an objection.
   
  If your CNI was issued in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, it will usually be valid at the town hall for 6 months. If it was issued in Scotland, it will expire after 3 months. Check with your local register office to find out how long a CNI is valid if you live in the [Isle of Man](http://www.gov.im/registries/general/civilregistry), [Jersey](http://www.gov.je/pages/contacts.aspx?contactId=71) or [Guernsey.](http://www.guernseyroyalcourt.gg/article/1663/Contact-Us)
   
  You’ll need to get your CNI [legalised](/get-document-legalised) (certified as genuine) by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
   
  You’ll also need to get a certified translation of your CNI. Use an [approved translator](/government/publications/poland-list-of-translators-and-interpreters).
  
  ###Getting your civil status declaration
  
  You can get a civil status declaration from the British Embassy in Berne in the language of the canton where the ceremony is taking place.
  
  You’ll need to provide supporting documents, including:
  
  