Marriage / Civil Partnership Visit

What is a marriage visitor visa?

A marriage visitor visa may allow you to enter the UK to marry or register a civil partnership within six months and then leave. It is a visit route, not a path to live and work long term.

Who may qualify

Couples who can show a genuine relationship, clear ceremony plans, funds for the stay, and an intention to leave after the event may qualify. Free-to-marry evidence matters.

Marriage visit vs fiancé visa

A fiancé visa is for people who plan to marry and then switch to a spouse or partner route to settle. A marriage visit is for a ceremony without settlement intent. Choosing the wrong route risks refusal.

Ceremony arrangements

Venue bookings, registrar notices, and a realistic timeline within six months strengthen the application. Vague “we will arrange later” plans are weak.

Relationship and free-to-marry evidence

Show how the relationship developed, plus divorce or death certificates if either party was previously married. Translations may be required.

Intention to leave

Employment, property, or family ties abroad help show you will leave after the ceremony. Applications that look like settlement plans are often refused.

How to apply

Apply online as a visitor for marriage or civil partnership, upload relationship and ceremony evidence, and give biometrics. We check whether a fiancé route is the better fit before you file.

Costs & processing time

Home Office visitor fees apply. Ceremony costs are separate. Processing times vary by country and service level.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Unclear or incomplete wedding or partnership plans

• Application that looks like an intention to settle

• Insufficient relationship or free-to-marry evidence

• Confusion with the fiancé or spouse routes

Related guidance: Standard Visitor Visa, Medical Treatment Visit, Marriage Visit, Sports / Creative / Religious Visit, Parent of Child at School, Settlement & ILR, and British Citizenship.