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Marriage Visitor visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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Marriage Visitor visa

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

GBP £135

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Short-stay UK visa for couples entering solely to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months, with no work rights or settlement route.

The UK Marriage Visitor visa lets non-residents travel to the UK solely to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months. No income threshold or English language test is required, making it more accessible than the standard Family visa spouse route.

Applicants must be 18 or over, legally free to marry, and intend to leave after the ceremony. The visa costs £135, with a standard processing time of up to 3 weeks. It cannot be extended or switched to another visa type, grants no right to work, and carries no pathway to settlement.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals in a genuine relationship who want to hold their wedding or civil partnership ceremony in the UK, with no plan to remain.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 18 or over.

Must intend to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arrival.

Must be in a genuine relationship with the partner.

Must intend to leave the UK at the end of the visit.

Must not intend to make the UK their main home or reside there through frequent visits.

Must be legally free to marry or enter into a civil partnership.

Must have sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Proof of relationship (e.g., photos, messages, joint travel plans).

Evidence of intention to marry or enter a civil partnership (e.g., booking confirmation, emails with venue).

Proof of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, payslips).

Accommodation details for the stay.

Proof of intention to leave the UK (e.g., return travel tickets).

Evidence of freedom to marry (e.g., decree absolute, death certificate of previous partner).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows legal marriage or civil partnership registration in the UK
  • Permits transit through the UK

Worth Knowing

  • Cannot be extended or switched to another visa type while in the UK
  • Does not allow for settlement or residency in the UK
  • Cannot access public funds or bring dependants on this visa

Application Process

1

Complete the online application form on GOV.UK

2

Pay the application fee

3

Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information

4

Submit supporting documents

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