UK family visas
UK marriage visitor visa: marry in the UK without settling
The Marriage Visitor visa is for people who want to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK but do not plan to live or settle there afterwards.
- Stay
- Up to 6 months
- Decision
- Usually within 3 weeks
- Extend or switch
- Not allowed
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- Couples who want a UK wedding and will live elsewhere
- People giving notice of a marriage or civil partnership in the UK
- Anyone who does not plan to settle in the UK
The basics
What the UK looks for
- You will marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving
- The ceremony is at a venue licensed for that purpose
- You do not intend to stay or settle in the UK
- You can apply no earlier than 3 months before you travel
- You give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. GOV.UK: Marriage Visitor visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- You cannot extend this visa or switch to another one from inside the UK
- You cannot bring dependants on it. They must apply separately
- If you plan to settle in the UK afterwards, this is the wrong visa
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
A consultation tells you where you stand, and what to do first.
Book a consultationFAQs
Marriage visitor visa questions
Can I stay in the UK after marrying on this visa?
No. It is for people who do not plan to settle. If you want to live in the UK, look at the fiancé(e) visa or a spouse visa.
Can my family attend my UK wedding?
Guests need their own visit visas. They are separate applications.
Let's map your global pathway
A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.