Marriage Visitor Visa

People who want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK, or want to give notice thereof, need to apply for a marriage visa.

You should not intend to stay or settle in the UK.

You need to meet the following criteria:

• you are over 18 years old
• you have the freedom to enter into marriage or a civil partnership with 6 months of arriving
• your relationship is genuine
• you will be in the UK for 6 months or less
• you will leave the UK at the end of the visa
• you are able to financially support yourself during your visit, or that you have a financial sponsor
• you are able to afford your onwards journey
• you have proof of other activities you intend to do during your visit

You will need a passport or travel document that is valid for the duration of your stay and contains a blank page.

To support your application, you supply details of your marriage or civil partnerships and that you’ve already paid for some of the costs. You can also show proof of booking for a venue in the UK.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or you have applied for it and have not received your decision yet, you do not need a Marriage Visitors Visa.

Irish citizens do not need a Marriage Visitors Visa.

You can apply 3 months before you intend to travel to the UK.

It costs £115.

It should take 3 weeks after you have attended your biometric information visa appointment.

Your partner will need to apply for their own Marriage Visitors visa if they require one. If you intend to bring family members with you, each individual must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The visa is usually valid for 6 months.

Yes. You will need to attend an appointment at your nearest visa centre to have your photograph taken and to submit your fingerprints. This is for your visa.

You will need to show documentation that proves you are free to marry or enter into a civil partnership again. That can be in the form of a decree absolute or a death certificate.

You can get married or enter into the civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival – a venue with a license is required for this. You can also pass through the UK in transit.

You cannot:

• get access to public funds or benefits
• bring family members or dependants with you – they will need a Standard Visitors visa to attend your ceremony
• live in the UK for an extended period
• extend or switch your visa from within the UK
• work
• study