For most people getting hitched at first sight is a crazy concept – but this is the synopsis of Married at First Sight UK! We are only nearing the third episode and it has already been a very explosive series.
During last night's episode viewers took to social media to point out that the marriage officiant didn't pronounce the new couples as 'husband and wife' but as 'newly committed.' So, are the marriages we have witnessed on screen legally binding?
Are The Married At First Sight UK weddings legally binding?
The short answer is No. The marriages on Married at First Sight UK are not legally binding.
In the show’s online synopsis Channel 4 says, ‘Following the Australian format, rather than legal marriages, the couples will make a lifelong commitment to one another at a glamorous ceremony, overseen by a wedding celebrant, that includes guests, bridal gowns, dancing, speeches and cake.’ However, it is noted that in the past during earlier series' weddings were legally binding. Along the way it was changed for the UK version.
Th UK and Australian version do not include legal marriages but in MAFS US all marriages are legally binding.The Executive producer of MAFS US, Chris Coelen, spoke to The Wrap and confirmed that the contestants in the American series sign a marriage license after their ceremony. However, he also revealed that there is a short prenup built in. He said, ‘It basically says what they walk into [the marriage with], is what they walk out of the marriage with.'
Do Married At First Sight UK couples get divorced?
If couples on the UK version of Married at First Sight decide to split up, they do not get divorced. This is because their marriages were never legally binding in the first place. For the same reason, it would also not be possible to have their 'marriages' annulled.
If the couples do decide to stay together in the long term after the show and want to get married, they go on to sign a marriage license. For those that want to go separate ways when the show finishes, it's good news as they can walk away from their partners without any legal problems or financial costs.
Today, there are only two couples still together from series 6 of Married at First Sight UK. Adam and Tayah and Dan and Matt are the last standing couples from series 6 - time will tell if series 7 has an even better success rate!