Article 12 Power to dispense with provisions

If the Secretary of State is satisfied there are good reasons why the requirement as to residence or notice in paragraph (2) or (as the case may be) (5) of article 4 cannot be complied with and is satisfied that the proposed marriage is not clandestine, the Secretary of State may authorise the registration officer to dispense with the requirement.

The Secretary of State must notify the registration officer in writing of the decision to authorise the dispensing with the requirement and provide a statement of reasons for the decision.

If the Secretary of State authorises the registration officer to dispense with any requirements in accordance with paragraph (1), the registration officer must record the good reasons referred to in paragraph (1).