How to Resign From Your Job Due to Marriage

Marriage—although one of life’s happiest events—often triggers other significant lifestyle changes. Such changes may include the need to submit a resignation letter from your job because you're getting married. Although it can be a difficult decision to leave a good job, sometimes this is necessary.

Reasons Marriage May Require You to Leave Work

Perhaps you will need to relocate because your new spouse has a more financially lucrative position somewhere else. If you have delayed marriage or childbirth, you may want to begin your family immediately. If you are marrying into an extended family with children or aging parents who you plan to help care for, perhaps you realize you will not have the time or the energy to devote to your current job. You may feel you need time to dedicate to planning your wedding. Some people may want to focus on being married for a year or two as you and your spouse grow through a life-changing transition together.

Whatever your rationale for leaving, it is best to inform your current employer of your pending resignation. It is standard to provide an employer with two weeks notice before your anticipated final day of work. However, in some cases, you may need to provide more notification (even up to a few months of notice). This longer notice may be necessary if you handle specialized work duties that cannot be assumed immediately by another person without extensive training or guidance.

The Importance of Recommendations

If possible, you should offer to help your employer hire and train your successor. The easier you make the succession process, the more likely your employer will be to hire you back or provide you with recommendations as you seek a job in the future.

Recommendations are important because they give potential employers more evidence of your skills, talents and personal character, creating a clearer picture of who you are and how you may fit into the company. So don't burn bridges; keep your exit cordial and secure your letter of recommendation.

What to Include in Your Resignation Letter

Tailor this sample resignation letter to create your letter of resignation. Be straightforward, open, and honest in your wording as you advise your employer that you are leaving because you are getting married.

In your letter, be clear about when exactly you're leaving (two weeks, 10 days, etc.). Explain why getting married is prompting you to leave your job, for example, you need to relocate, care for children, or plan your wedding. Offer to help hire and train your replacement, and make sure to thank them for your experiences and what you've learned.

Thank them again as you close the letter and let them know you'll be available if they have any questions or concerns.

Download the resignation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Email Message

It is also acceptable to send your formal resignation via email if that is the primary method that you typically communicate with your supervisor. Using email to submit your resignation also allows you to copy your employer’s Human Resources Department easily. You may also want to let other team members know that you are departing due to your pending nuptials.