A marriage in which one spouse is forced against their will to take part. Force includes actual physical compulsion or emotional and psychological compulsion. A court can make protective orders for those who fear they are about to be forced into a marriage and for those who have already gone through a forced marriage. These orders can include powers of arrest and the setting aside of a forced marriage, and can relate to conduct in England or abroad. Third parties can apply to the court for protective orders for those being forced into a marriage.

The ‘Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022‘ means it is illegal for any person aged under 18 to marry or enter a civil partnership.