What is a Marriage Visitor Visa?

A Marriage Visitor Visa is a UK visa that allows foreign nationals to travel to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership. It is designed for couples who intend to marry in the UK but do not plan to settle or live permanently in the country after the ceremony.

This visa is valid for up to 6 months and does not allow work, study (other than a short permitted course), or long-term residence in the UK. After marriage, applicants are expected to leave the UK unless they apply for a different visa category from outside the UK.

Who Can Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa?

You can apply if:

• You are 18 years old or over.
• You intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.
• You are free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed).
• You do not intend to live in the UK after the marriage.
• You can financially support yourself (and any dependants) during your stay without accessing public funds.
• You plan to leave the UK before your visa expires.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Intention to Marry

You must provide evidence that you plan to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK at a licensed venue within 6 months.

2. Immigration Intentions

You must show that you will leave the UK after your visit.

You cannot switch to another visa category from inside the UK.

3. Financial Requirement

You must demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay without working or relying on public funds.

4. Accommodation Requirement

You must have a place to stay during your visit (hotel booking, invitation letter from a UK resident, etc.).

5. Relationship Requirement

Both parties must be free to marry or enter a civil partnership. If previously married, you must provide proof of divorce or death of a former partner.

What You Cannot Do on a Marriage Visitor Visa

• You cannot work or study in the UK (except a permitted short course).
• You cannot extend or switch to another visa inside the UK.
• You cannot settle in the UK on this visa.
• You cannot access public funds.

Application Process

1. Online Application
   Apply online on the Home Office website before travelling.
2. Visa Fee Payment
   Pay the application fee of £115.
3. Biometric Appointment
   Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Supporting Documents
   Submit supporting evidence to prove your intention to marry and your ability to support yourself.
5. Decision
   Wait for a decision, usually within 3 weeks of attending your biometric appointment.

Supporting Documents Checklist

You will normally need to provide:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Proof of your intention to marry (wedding booking confirmation, letter from the registrar, or venue).
• Evidence of relationship (photos, correspondence, travel history).
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, or sponsor’s support letter).
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, tenancy agreement, or host’s invitation).
• Evidence of return travel (return ticket or funds to purchase one).
• If previously married: divorce certificate or death certificate of former spouse.

Fees and Costs (as of 2025)

• Visa application fee: £115
• Priority processing (optional): Around £250 extra (decision within 5 working days, if available).
• Super priority (optional): Around £1,000 extra (decision within 1 working day, where available).

Processing Times

• Standard processing: Around 3 weeks from your biometric appointment.
• Priority services: Faster decisions may be available depending on the country of application.

What Happens After the Marriage Visitor Visa?

• Once you marry or enter a civil partnership, you must leave the UK before your visa expires.
• If you wish to settle in the UK with your spouse, you must apply for a Spouse/Partner Visa from outside the UK.

Key Points to Remember

• This visa is only for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership in the UK.
• It does not provide a route to settlement or permanent residence.
• You must prove your genuine relationship and intention to leave the UK.
• Careful preparation of documents is essential to avoid refusal, as the Home Office carefully checks for potential misuse of this visa.