What it is
A Marriage Visitor visa is for people who want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership here, and who do not intend to settle in the UK afterwards. It lets you visit for up to six months, and the wedding must take place within that time.
Marriage Visitor or fiancé(e) visa
The choice depends on what you plan to do after the wedding.
| Marriage Visitor visa | Fiancé(e) visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan after the wedding | Return home | Live in the UK with your partner |
| Fee | £135 | £2,064 |
| Length | Up to 6 months | 6 months, then switch to a partner visa |
| Leads to settlement | No | Yes, through a partner visa |
If you choose a Marriage Visitor visa and then decide to stay, you generally cannot switch to a partner visa from inside the UK, so think about this before you apply. See fiancé(e) and proposed civil partner visa.
What you need
- Evidence of the wedding arrangements, such as a booking with the register office and notice of marriage.
- Enough money for the trip and your return, and somewhere to stay.
- Evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of the visit.
Timing and fees
The fee is £135. A decision is usually made within about three weeks of your application and biometrics, and a faster service costs extra. You can be visiting for the marriage only, not working or studying. Marriages in the UK also have their own notice rules, which your local register office will explain.
If you are refused
A visit visa refusal usually carries no right of appeal. A fresh application that answers the reasons for refusal is the usual course, and an earlier refusal will be considered. See visa refused: appeal, review or reapply.
