Marriage Visitor Visa

While you cannot get married in the UK on a standard visitor visa, you can apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa. This specific visa caters to foreign nationals who wish to:

Get married or register a civil partnership in the UK
Give notice of their intention to get married or enter a civil partnership
Do not plan to stay or settle in the UK afterwards

In the UK, couples must give official notice of their intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership at a local register office at least 29 days before the ceremony.

It is crucial to note that the Marriage Visitor Visa cannot be extended. Foreign nationals who wish to stay or settle in the UK after getting married and whose partner is a British citizen or a settled person can consider applying for a fiancé visa instead.

Marriage Visitor Visa Requirements

To qualify for a Marriage Visitor Visa in the UK, you need to:

Be aged 18 or over
Be free to give notice of marriage
Be eligible to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival
Be in a genuine relationship
Plan to visit for less than six months and depart before your visa expires
Not intend to reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits
Not plan to make the UK your main residence
Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (financial support from another person is allowed with proof)
Be able to afford your return or onward journey
Marriage Visitor Visa vs Fiancé Visa

Foreign nationals looking to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK can choose between the Marriage Visitor Visa and the Fiancé Visa.

Marriage Visitor Visa: For those who want to get married or enter a civil partnership but do not intend to stay in the UK afterward.

Fiancé Visa: For those whose partner is a British citizen or a settled person in the UK (e.g., someone with indefinite leave to remain or EU settled status) and who plan to stay in the UK afterward under a spouse visa.

To be eligible for a Fiancé Visa, proof is required that any previous marriages or partnerships have ended, and you must intend to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of arriving in the UK. Additionally, you and your partner must:

Be 18 or older
Have a combined income of at least £29,000
Have suitable accommodation in the UK

Applicants for a Fiancé Visa must also possess sufficient knowledge of the English language (CEFR level A1).

If your UK Marriage Visitor Visa has been denied, it is advisable to consult an immigration solicitor to discuss your options and next steps.

Marriage Visitor Visa UK Documents Required

To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you need to complete and submit the online application form from outside the UK. The application includes a fee of £100 and requires several documents to prove your eligibility, such as:

Your passport to verify your identity and age
Proof of relationship (e.g., tenancy agreement or joint bank statement)
Evidence showing your intention to give notice, marry, or enter into a civil partnership (e.g., an appointment confirmation with a UK registrar, email correspondence with the venue, or booking confirmation for your reception)
Proof of financial expenditure towards the marriage or civil partnership in the UK
A decree absolute or death certificate if you were previously married.