Section A: Do you need a Marriage Visitor Visa UK?
If you are planning to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK you will need to carefully consider whether or not the Marriage Visitor visa is the right visa for you.
A Marriage Visitor visa is needed if you are a foreign national wanting to travel to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership, or to give notice of your intention to do so, and you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit. You cannot get married in the UK under the Standard Visitor Visa. The Marriage Visitor visa is designed specifically to allow foreign nationals to have their ceremony in the UK, and leave the country within a period of six months.
The Marriage Visitor visa is for foreign nationals who wish to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK, or give notice of doing so, and who will leave the UK afterwards. It applies whether your partner is British, settled, has limited leave, or is a foreign national.
You will not need a Marriage Visitor visa to get married in the UK if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or you are waiting for a decision on a valid application under that scheme. Irish citizens are also exempt.
The Marriage Visitor visa is not suitable for individuals who plan to stay or settle in the UK after they are married or have registered a civil partnership. If you are looking to remain in the UK after you get married or form a civil partnership, the Marriage Visitor visa would not be appropriate and you will need to consider alternatives. For example, if your partner has settled status in the UK, such as ILR, you would instead look at the fiancé(e) visa.
| Feature | Marriage Visitor visa | Fiancé(e) visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Visit the UK to marry or enter a civil partnership, then leave afterwards | Enter the UK to marry a British citizen or settled partner and then apply to stay |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months, with option to switch into spouse visa after marriage |
| Work rights | Not permitted | Not permitted while on fiancé(e) visa, but full work rights once switched into spouse visa |
| Study | Incidental study up to 30 days, not the main purpose | Study is permitted, but the fiancé(e) visa is temporary until switching into a spouse visa |
| Extension or switching | Not allowed — must leave the UK to apply for another visa | Switch into spouse visa from inside the UK once married |
| Settlement pathway | No — this visa does not lead to settlement | Yes — spouse visa leads to settlement (ILR) after 5 years |
| Typical applicant | Foreign national marrying in the UK but intending to live abroad afterwards | Couple planning to marry and then live together in the UK permanently |
If you are unsure about your visa options to get married in the UK, and how these affect your future plans, speak to our UK immigration experts to help you understand the routes available to you to meet your immediate and long-term needs.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Marriage Visitor visa is extremely narrow and specific in its purpose. If your long-term plan is to be based in the UK with your new spouse, this route will not help you achieve that. The Home Office will look at you as the applicant and your plans to check that both meet the criteria. Any indication that you intend to stay on in the UK will see the application refused, and your immigration record will reflect the negative outcome.
Section B: UK Marriage Visitor Visa Conditions
Under the Marriage Visitor visa, also known as the Marriage Visitor visa UK, you are permitted to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arriving. The ceremony must take place at a licensed venue. You can also travel through the UK in transit to another country.
A Marriage Visitor visa is granted for up to 6 months. Marriage Visitor visas are generally issued as multiple-entry, allowing you to leave and re-enter the UK during the 6-month validity but it cannot be extended or issued for longer than 6 months.
With a Marriage Visitor visa, you must not intend to live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or undertake any activities prohibited under the visa, such as work or study.
A Marriage Visitor visa will also not permit you to switch to a different visa category while in the UK. You will be required to leave the UK and return home to apply for a different type of visa once your existing visa expires.
There may be other visa options available to you in the event that you wish to live and work in the UK after you get married or enter into a civil partnership. Take advice on your circumstances and potential alternative immigration routes.
As a Marriage Visitor visa holder, you will also not be allowed to work, access public funds, or study for more than 30 days. Any study must be incidental and not the primary reason for your visit.
| Condition | Rule | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Maximum 6 months | You must marry or register a civil partnership within this period and leave before it expires |
| Multiple entry | Permitted within 6 months | You can enter and leave the UK several times, but only within the visa validity |
| Work | Not permitted | You cannot undertake paid or unpaid employment or business activity |
| Study | Incidental study of up to 30 days allowed | Study must not be the main purpose of the visit |
| Public funds | No access | You cannot claim benefits or use state support schemes |
| Switching or extension | Not allowed | You cannot extend or switch into another visa from inside the UK |
| Border checks | Caseworker discretion | You may be questioned on arrival, so carry evidence of your ceremony and return plans |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Marriage Visitor visa conditions are restrictive. You only have six months in the UK, with no option to extend or to apply to stay under a different visa. You may also be questioned at the border, so it’s best to be prepared and travel with documents that prove your plans.
Section C: Marriage Visitor Visa Requirements
To be eligible to come to the UK under the Marriage Visitor visa, you must be aged 18 or over. This is a mandatory requirement and applies to both the applicant and their partner. Both individuals must also have the legal capacity to marry or enter into a civil partnership. You must also be free to marry or enter into a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, in the UK within the validity period covered by your visa.
You must be in a genuine relationship with your fiancé(e). You will need to provide evidence of your relationship to support your application. This can include photographs, correspondence, or statements from friends and family confirming the relationship and the intention to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK.
You must also intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership within the six-month period of the visa’s validity. Applicants must provide evidence of their planned ceremony, such as booking confirmations from a venue or correspondence with a UK registry office. This demonstrates a genuine intent to carry out the marriage or civil partnership during the visit.
You must give at least 28 days’ notice at a designated register office before marrying or entering into a civil partnership. The Home Office can extend the notice to 70 days where one or both parties is a non-EEA national subject to immigration control.
You will also need to show you plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit. This can be demonstrated through return travel tickets or evidence of ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family commitments.
You will have to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay in the UK, including covering accommodation and living expenses without relying on public funds. Bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from a sponsor can serve as proof of financial stability.
You may also need to provide tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where TB screening is required for UK visa applicants. The test must be from a clinic approved by the Home Office.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The Home Office defaults to suspicion unless the evidence is compelling. You’ll need concrete proof of your wedding ceremony, venue booking, date, accommodation and other details that confirm your plans are genuine.
You’ll also have to submit recent bank statements (usually covering the past 3-6 months) and proof that you will leave the UK. Usually, this would be through evidence of having a job in your home country, and a tenancy or mortgage agreement for your home outside the UK.
Section D: How to Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK
Provided you meet the eligibility requirements, you apply for a Marriage Visitor visa before you visit. You should apply via the UK Home Office website no more than 3 months before you intend to travel.
Depending on your nationality and the technology available, you may either attend a visa application centre to provide biometrics, or you may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to upload your documents and biometrics digitally.
At the appointment, if one is required, you will be expected to provide your supporting documents and to explain, amongst other things, the purpose of your intended visit, together with details of your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner and your future plans together.
You will also need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken if attending in person. This is known as your ‘biometric information’.
Note that the application centre may retain your passport while your application is being processed.
1. Required Documents
When applying for a Marriage Visitor visa you will be required to submit a number of documents to prove you meet the eligibility requirements, including but not necessarily limited to, the following:
a. Valid Passport or Travel Document
The passport must be current and contain at least one blank page for the visa, and be valid for the entire duration of the stay in the UK. Your previous passports may also be required to provide a travel history.
b. Visa Application Form
The visa application form must be completed accurately and in full, to avoid delays or refusals.
c. Proof of Intention to Marry or Enter a Civil Partnership
Provide evidence that you plan to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK, such as booking confirmations from the registry office or wedding venue, letters or emails confirming the arrangements for the ceremony, and any receipts for deposits paid.
d. Financial Evidence
Demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in the UK. Submit bank statements for the past six months, pay slips, or a letter from your employer. If you have a sponsor providing financial support, you will need to provide a letter confirming their support and financial documents proving their ability to fund your stay.
e. Proof of Accommodation
Evidence of accommodation arrangements in the UK must be provided. This could be a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter from a host confirming you are staying with them.
f. Evidence of Ties to Home Country
To show the intention to leave the UK after the visit, you have to show evidence of ties to your home country, such as your employment contract, property deed, or documentation of family commitments.
g. Relationship Evidence
Evidence of your relationship with your fiancé(e) will also be required, such as photographs, correspondence, and statements from friends and family.
h. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
Applicants from certain countries must provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. The certificate is valid for six months and must show that the applicant is free from TB.
i. Travel Plans
Details of travel plans, including return tickets or a travel itinerary, also have to be provided, to confirm the duration of your stay and your intention to return to the home country after your visit.
j. Additional Documentation
Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as character references, previous marriage certificates, or divorce decrees if applicable. Our experts can provide guidance on your specific application, particularly if your circumstances are more complex and may require additional evidence to establish eligibility.
2. Marriage Visitor Visa UK Fee & Processing Times
It costs £127 to apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa. This is the same as the fee for a Standard Visitor visa.
You can submit your application for a Marriage Visitor visa three months ahead of your intended date of travel to the UK. This is the earliest that you can apply. You should usually get a decision within 3 weeks, although processing times can vary depending on the caseload of the application centre or other issues impacting service delivery such as backlogs and any public health restrictions that may be in place at the time of your application.
Some processing centres offer fast-tracked processing for an additional charge.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Timing is a huge headache. You’ll have to align your visa application window with the wedding notice period and the ceremony booking. Issues with your application can result in delays, impacting these timings and your wedding plans, making it even more important to get the application right first time.
Section E: UK Marriage Visitor Visa Denied?
UK Marriage Visitor visa applications can be refused for many reasons. One common reason is insufficient evidence of the intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership within the UK. Applicants must provide concrete proof, such as booking confirmations from a registry office or a wedding venue, and failing to do so can result in a refusal.
Another frequent issue is inadequate financial evidence. Applicants must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves without recourse to public funds during their stay. This includes covering accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs. If the provided financial documentation, such as bank statements or pay slips, is deemed insufficient or inconsistent, the visa application may be denied.
Inadequate ties to the home country can also lead to refusal. Applicants need to convince the authorities of their intention to leave the UK after the marriage or civil partnership. Evidence such as employment contracts, property ownership, or strong family connections must be robust. Without this, the Home Office may suspect that the applicant intends to stay in the UK beyond the permitted duration, leading to a denial.
If a Marriage Visitor visa application is refused, the applicant will receive a letter outlining the reasons for the refusal. It is important to review this letter carefully to understand the grounds for denial.
| Refusal reason | Why the Home Office refuses | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Weak proof of wedding plans | Application lacks solid evidence of a booked venue or notice appointment | Provide booking confirmations, receipts, and correspondence with the register office or venue |
| Insufficient funds | Bank statements show low balances or inconsistent deposits | Submit six months of bank statements, payslips, or sponsor evidence with clear financial stability |
| Inadequate ties to home country | Caseworker doubts that the applicant will leave the UK after the wedding | Show employment letters, property ownership, tenancy, or dependent family abroad |
| Inconsistent information | Discrepancies between the form, documents, or statements raise credibility issues | Check that dates, names, and details are consistent across all documents and answers |
| Suspected intent to stay | Application suggests the applicant really plans to remain in the UK | Explain return plans clearly, provide return travel booking, and avoid mixed messages about settlement |
| Wrong visa route | Applicant applies for a Marriage Visitor visa but intends to stay after the marriage | Apply for a fiancé(e) visa if your goal is to remain in the UK after marriage |
There is no right of appeal or administrative review if your Marriage Visitor visa is refused, unless you raise human rights grounds. In most cases, your only option will be to reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Refusals are incredibly frustrating and costly. With no standard appeals process, you’re procedurally back at square one, but after wasted time, cost and energy.
If you are refused, take advice. The refusal letter will indicate the grounds for refusal, and these will need specifically addressing through a more robust application and stronger evidence.
Section F: Need Assistance?
DavidsonMorris is a law firm specialising in UK immigration. We help individuals with their UK immigration needs, and can guide and support you through any Home Office process, including an application for a Marriage Visitor visa. If you have a question about the Marriage Visitor visa, please contact us. Our team can assess your eligibility, advise on documents that carry weight, and address common refusal risks such as weak evidence of intention to marry, insufficient funds or doubts about plans to leave the UK after the ceremony. We also advise where the fiancé(e) or partner route is more appropriate if your aim is to remain in the UK after marrying.
Section G: Marriage Visitor Visa FAQs
Can I marry in the UK on a visitor visa?
No, one of the conditions of the Standard Visitor visa is that you must not intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership while in the UK. You must instead apply for a Marriage Visitor visa, which is a separate visa specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to come to the UK to get married, and then to leave the country, within a period of six months.
What is a Marriage Visitor Visa?
A Marriage Visitor visa is a type of UK visa that allows individuals to visit the UK for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. It is specifically for those who intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit and do not plan to settle or live in the UK permanently.
Who is eligible to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
To be eligible for a Marriage Visitor visa, applicants must be over 18 years old, intend to get married or enter a civil partnership within six months of arriving in the UK, and plan to leave the UK after the visit. Applicants must also have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay and meet the general requirements for UK visitor visas.
How long can I stay in the UK with a Marriage Visitor Visa?
A Marriage Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. This period is intended to cover the time needed for the marriage or civil partnership ceremony and any related activities, such as a honeymoon within the UK.
How long does it take to get a Marriage Visitor Visa?
It typically takes 3 weeks to get a Marriage Visitor visa, although applicants should check with their local application centre to confirm current processing times, and ensure that their application is complete and accurate to avoid delays in processing.
How much is a Marriage Visitor visa UK?
A Marriage Visitor visa for the UK currently costs £127.
Can I work in the UK on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot work in the UK on a Marriage Visitor visa. The visa is strictly for the purpose of getting married or entering into a civil partnership. You are not permitted to take up employment, do any business activities, or access public funds during your stay.
What documents do I need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
When applying for a Marriage Visitor visa, you will need to provide several documents, including a valid passport, evidence of your relationship with your partner, proof of your intent to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK, financial evidence showing you can support yourself during your stay, and details of your travel plans. Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.
Can I extend my stay in the UK on a Marriage Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot extend your stay beyond the six-month period allowed by a Marriage Visitor visa. If you wish to stay longer or change your immigration status, you would need to leave the UK and apply for a different type of visa that suits your new circumstances.
What happens if my Marriage Visitor Visa application is refused?
If your Marriage Visitor visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may not be able to appeal or request an administrative review, except in limited cases where human rights grounds are engaged. In most cases, your option is to reapply with stronger evidence.
Do I need to register my marriage or civil partnership in the UK once I arrive?
Yes, if you are marrying or entering into a civil partnership in the UK, you will need to give notice of your marriage or civil partnership at a designated register office. This must be done at least 28 days before the ceremony, but where one or both partners are foreign nationals without settled or pre-settled status, the notice period may be extended to 70 days while immigration checks are carried out.
Section H: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Marriage Visitor visa | A UK visit visa that allows a person to enter the UK to marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice, with the intention to leave the UK after the visit. |
| Standard Visitor visa | A visit visa covering tourism and other short stays. It does not permit marrying or entering a civil partnership in the UK. |
| Fiancé(e) visa | A family route visa for those who intend to marry a British or settled partner in the UK and then apply to remain on the partner route. |
| Notice of marriage/civil partnership | The formal declaration given at a designated register office before a ceremony can take place. Usually at least 28 days, which can be extended to 70 days where immigration checks apply. |
| Designated register office | A register office authorised to accept notices where one or both parties are subject to immigration control. |
| Licensed venue | Premises approved for marriages or civil partnerships in the UK. The ceremony must take place at a licensed venue. |
| Entry clearance | Permission granted outside the UK to enter for a specific purpose, such as visiting to marry. |
| Settlement (ILR) | Indefinite leave to remain. The right to live in the UK permanently, without time limit. |
| Incidental study | Study of up to 30 days that is not the main reason for entering the UK under the visitor rules. |
| Public funds | Certain state benefits and support. Visitors are not permitted to access public funds. |
Section I: Additional resources and links
| Resource | What it covers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a Marriage Visitor visa | Official eligibility, documents, fee and how to apply from outside the UK | gov.uk/marriage-visitor-visa |
| Giving notice of marriage or civil partnership | How to give notice, required documents and statutory timeframes | gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships |
| Find a register office | Local register office search for giving notice and ceremonies | gov.uk/register-offices |
| Visitor Rules (Immigration Rules: Appendix V) | Legal framework for visitor permissions, conditions and prohibitions | gov.uk/immigration-rules-appendix-visitor |
| Visa fees | Current Home Office visa application fees, including visitors | gov.uk/visa-fees |
| Decision waiting times | Typical processing times by visa type and country | gov.uk/visa-processing-times |
| Tuberculosis test for a UK visa | Who needs TB screening and approved clinics | gov.uk/tb-test-visa |
| UK Immigration: ID Check app | Guidance on using the app to prove identity and submit biometrics | gov.uk/uk-immigration-id-check-app |
| Family visas: partner route | Apply to remain in the UK after marriage under the partner rules | gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse |
| Marriages and civil partnerships: approved premises | Information about ceremonies and approved premises in England and Wales | gov.uk/approved-premises |
