For non-UK residents who want to get married or become a civil partner in the UK, you’ll need a Marriage Visitor Visa. You can be on this visa in the UK to marry, but you cannot stay in the UK permanently after that. So here we will be covering all about the Marriage Visitor Visa and everything that you should know about it like who qualifies for it, how to apply for it, and what you can and cannot do on the visa.
What is a Marriage Visitor Visa?
You can visit the UK on a Marriage Visitor Visa for up to 6 months to get married or become a civil partner. You cannot remain in the UK after marriage or civil partnership without applying for a second visa. The visa also allows you to:
- Travel within the UK
- Attend work or business meetings related to your job in your home country
- Participate in an educational exchange visit (but not a formal study program)
- Do recreational study for up to 30 days (non-qualification study)
- Volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
However, there are restrictions. You cannot:
- Claim public funds or benefits
- Stay in the UK for long periods through multiple visits
- Extend your visa or switch to another type of visa
- Work for pay or take a formal course of study
If you want to bring your family members (such as your partner or children) with you, they must apply for their own Visitor visa if required.
Who Needs a Marriage Visitor Visa?
You will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if:
- You live outside the UK and want to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK.
- You do not plan to stay in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership.
- You need to give notice of your marriage or civil partnership in the UK before the ceremony. You must do this at least 29 days before the ceremony at a UK registry office.
You do not need a Marriage Visitor Visa if:
- You are converting a civil partnership into a marriage.
- You have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- You are an Irish citizen.
- You are applying for British Citizenship or dual citizenship.
Am I Eligible for a Marriage Visitor Visa?
To be eligible for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Plan to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving.
- Be in a genuine relationship with the person you will marry or form a civil partnership with.
- Not plan to stay in the UK long-term.
- Have enough money to support yourself during your stay (or have support from someone else).
- Be able to pay for your return journey or show that someone else will support you.
- Provide proof of your plans to marry, such as a venue booking or payment receipts. If you were previously married or in a civil partnership, you will need to show proof that the relationship has ended (e.g. a divorce certificate or death certificate of a previous partner).
How to Apply for a UK Marriage Visitor Visa
To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, follow these steps:
- Complete the online application: Go to the Home Office website and fill out the Marriage Visitor Visa application form from outside the UK.
- Pay the application fee: The visa fee is £100.
- Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC): You will need to provide your fingerprints and photo to confirm your identity.
- Provide necessary documents: Submit the documents requested by the Home Office. These may include evidence of your relationship, wedding plans, or proof of your previous marriage’s end.
- Partner and children: Your partner must also apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if they need one. If you have children, they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Marriage Visitor Visa applications usually take up to 3 weeks to process. Once your visa is approved, you will receive confirmation by email or in writing, with instructions on what to do next. It’s important to wait until you receive your visa before you travel to the UK.
A Marriage Visitor Visa allows you to come to the UK to get married or form a civil partnership, but it has strict rules about what you can and cannot do during your stay. If you’re planning to get married in the UK and need assistance with your visa application, Law and Visas can help guide you through the process to make sure everything goes smoothly.
