I-Migrator
For Individuals

Marriage Visitor Visa

Come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, within 6 months. You must leave after the ceremony — this is not a route to settlement.

Validity

  • Up to 6 months
  • Single visit for marriage or civil partnership

Key requirements

  • Entry clearance mandatory for all nationalities
  • Both partners must be 18+
  • Must leave after the ceremony
  • £127 application fee; no healthcare surcharge

About the visa

The Marriage Visitor Visa is a specific visitor category for those who wish to travel to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of marriage or civil partnership. This is one of the four types of visitor defined in Appendix V. Applicants must plan to leave the UK after the ceremony—this is not a route to settlement.

Important: Most Marriage Visitor applicants must obtain entry clearance before arriving in the UK—unlike Standard Visitors, where non-visa nationals can apply on arrival. An exception exists for “relevant nationals” (British citizens, Irish citizens, and those with EU Settlement Scheme status), who may use the Standard Visitor route instead (section 62, Immigration Act 2014).

Eligibility & key rules

To qualify under V 12.1–12.2:

  • Both partners must be aged 18 or over at the date of application
  • You must intend to give notice or marry / form a civil partnership within the period of your visit
  • The marriage or civil partnership must not be a sham
  • You must be a genuine visitor who will leave the UK afterwards
  • You must have sufficient funds for your stay

What you can / cannot do

Permitted

  • Give notice of marriage or civil partnership
  • Marry or form a civil partnership at a licensed venue
  • Tourism during the visit

Not permitted

  • Work or take employment
  • Study
  • Switch to a spouse/partner or family route from within the UK
  • Remain in the UK after the ceremony
  • Access public funds

Fees, documents & process

Costs

  • Marriage Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £127
  • No healthcare surcharge for visits under 6 months

Key documents

  • Valid passport or travel document
  • Proof of relationship (photos, correspondence, meeting history)
  • Wedding venue booking or notice appointment details
  • Evidence that both partners are free to marry (decree absolute, death certificate if widowed, or single status certificate)
  • Financial evidence (bank statements, funds, or host support)
  • Accommodation details for the visit
  • Return travel plans

Application process

  1. Apply online via GOV.UK before travel (entry clearance mandatory)
  2. Attend a biometric appointment
  3. Provide supporting documents
  4. Decision typically within 3 weeks (faster with priority services)
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