Married at First Sight UK’s sixth season premiered Monday, August 30, and has since treated viewers with several strangers from various backgrounds to their weddings.
The E4 reality tv show is spin-off from the American show of the same name, and sees the estranged newlyweds each week meeting with experts while surrounded by other pairings, as they discuss their relationships at the commitment ceremonies.
Despite being a series about love, viewers might have their doubts about the series’ legitimacy, seeing so far, only one couple from the show has remained together.
From Season 5 of the show, Michelle and Owen is the only success story. Since their appearance on the show they have even created a joint Instagram account.
With most couples splitting following their participation on the series, viewers might also wonder if they all have to undergo the headache of a real divorce.
Are the marriages on Married at First Sight real?
Unlike the US version, the weddings featured on the E4 dating show are not legally binding.
In the US, people partaking in the series do get a marriage license which both parties sign after tying the knot.
Clark James, who partook on the second season of the show, revealed to Cosmopolitan in 2019 that MAFS had a budget especially put in place in case of divorces.
He also admitted that because of certain restrictions put in place, his wedding to Melissa Sherwood was nothing of a dream day.
Clark said: "I was only allowed to invite 20 people. It definitely caused some friction with some of the family members!
“The whole day for me was a bit of a blur, it happened quickly but not memorably. It’s really hard to explain.”
Nevertheless, neither a divorce nor an annulment, are concerns for participants who take part in the British version.
MAFS couples in the UK have to simply promise their partners that they will stay together, instead of getting literally married.
A spokesperson told Metro: “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.”
Married At First Sight UK airs on E4 and All 4 every day at 9pm.
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