Nearly 1000 years of tradition dictates that the only people allowed to marry at Westminster Abbey are members of England's royal family, members of the Order of the Bath (and their children) or anyone who actually lives in the Abbey's precincts.

No, you do not have to be a royal to get married at Westminster Abbey, but the requirements are extremely exclusive. Outside of the Royal Family, those eligible include members of the Order of the Bath (and their children), residents of the Abbey’s precincts, or people with a direct, significant connection to the Abbey (such as those who work there). For the vast majority of the public, the Abbey is unavailable for weddings. However, there is a common "loophole": many people apply to marry at St. Margaret’s Church, which is located right next to the Abbey and is known as "the parish church of the House of Commons." While still requiring a connection to the church or the Houses of Parliament, it is slightly more accessible than the main Abbey. In 2026, the Abbey remains a Royal Peculiar, meaning it is under the direct jurisdiction of the Monarch rather than a bishop, which is why the rules for who can marry there are governed by centuries of tradition rather than standard Church of England parish laws.