Planning to tie the knot in the United Kingdom? The Marriage Visitor Visa UK 2026 allows non-UK residents to enter Britain specifically to marry or register a civil partnership. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about requirements, the £127 application fee, typical 3-week processing time, required documents, and the step-by-step application process to make your UK wedding plans a reality.
Understanding the Marriage Visitor Visa UK in 2026
The Marriage Visitor Visa UK is a specific category of UK visitor visa designed exclusively for individuals who wish to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the United Kingdom without intending to settle. Unlike the UK spouse visa or fiancé visa, this route is strictly temporary and does not lead to settlement in the UK.
This visa is particularly suitable for couples who plan to celebrate their wedding ceremony in the UK—perhaps in a picturesque British venue or with family and friends based there—but intend to return to their home country or reside elsewhere after the marriage. The Marriage Visitor Visa UK 2026 costs £127 and typically takes around 3 weeks to process, making it one of the more straightforward UK visa applications for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
The Home Office scrutinises Marriage Visitor Visa applications carefully to ensure applicants genuinely intend to leave the UK after their wedding and are not using the route as a means to settle. Understanding the official Marriage Visitor Visa requirements and preparing a strong application with comprehensive supporting documents is essential for success.
Marriage Visitor Visa UK Requirements 2026
To successfully obtain a Marriage Visitor Visa UK in 2026, applicants must demonstrate they meet specific eligibility criteria established by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The requirements focus on proving genuine marriage intentions, financial capability, and clear intent to leave the UK after the ceremony.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK?
To qualify for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK, you must be 18 or older, free to marry or form a civil partnership, have genuine marriage plans at a licensed UK venue within 6 months, prove you can financially support yourself without accessing public funds, and demonstrate clear intention to leave the UK after your wedding.
The complete Marriage Visitor Visa UK requirements include:
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Marriage Intention: You intend to marry or enter a civil partnership at a licensed venue within 6 months of arrival
- Free to Marry: You are legally free to marry (not currently married or in a civil partnership)
- Genuine Relationship: Your relationship is genuine and not a marriage of convenience
- Financial Support: You have sufficient funds to cover your stay without accessing public funds
- Return Journey: You can pay for your return or onward journey after the marriage
- Intent to Leave: You intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and will not settle
- No Extended Stays: You will not live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
What documents are required for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK application?
Marriage Visitor Visa UK documents include a valid passport, proof of your relationship (photographs, correspondence, travel records), venue booking confirmation or payment receipts, evidence of financial means (bank statements, payslips), accommodation details, and proof of your return travel arrangements.
The Home Office requires substantial supporting documents to assess your Marriage Visitor Visa application. Strong documentation significantly increases your chances of approval.
- Valid passport with at least one blank page
- Evidence of relationship: photographs together, correspondence, shared travel history
- Marriage venue booking confirmation or payment receipts
- Notice of marriage appointment confirmation (if already booked)
- Financial evidence: bank statements (last 6 months), payslips, employment letter
- UK accommodation arrangements: hotel bookings or host invitation letter
- Return/onward travel itinerary or ticket confirmation
- Travel history evidence: previous visa stamps, travel records from last 10 years
Giving Notice of Marriage in the UK
Before you can legally marry in the United Kingdom, you must give formal notice of your intention to marry. The process varies depending on where in the UK you plan to marry:
England and Wales: You must give notice in person at a local register office at least 29 days before your wedding ceremony. Both parties must attend with valid passports and proof of address.
Scotland and Northern Ireland: You can give notice by post, which may be more convenient for those travelling specifically for their wedding. Scotland has its own marriage law requirements, and you should contact the relevant registrar directly for specific guidance.
How to Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK
The application process for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK follows the standard UK visa application procedure. You must apply online from outside the UK before you travel. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your intended travel date.
Step 1: Complete the Online Application. Visit the official UK Government visa application portal and complete the Marriage Visitor Visa application form. Provide accurate details about your travel plans, relationship, and wedding arrangements.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee. The Marriage Visitor Visa UK costs £127 as of 2026. Payment is made online during the application process. This fee is non-refundable if your application is refused.
Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment. Schedule an appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph. The VAC location may be in a different city or country, so allow adequate time for travel.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Documents. Submit all required supporting documents either in person at the VAC or via the designated upload portal. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 5: Wait for Decision. After your biometric appointment, wait for the Home Office to process your application. You will be notified when a decision has been made and when to collect your passport.
Marriage Visitor Visa UK Processing Time and Cost 2026
Understanding the UK visa processing time and costs is essential for planning your wedding timeline and budget.
How long does a Marriage Visitor Visa UK take to process?
The standard Marriage Visitor Visa UK processing time is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) after submitting your biometrics. However, processing times can vary depending on your location and individual circumstances. Priority services are available for faster decisions.
Priority and Super Priority services are subject to availability at your Visa Application Centre. Not all locations offer these expedited services, so check with your VAC when booking your appointment. If you experience visa processing delays, you may be able to escalate your case.
How much does a Marriage Visitor Visa UK cost in 2026?
The Marriage Visitor Visa UK fee is £127 for stays of up to 6 months. This is significantly lower than the spouse visa fee (£1,938) or fiancé visa fee (£1,846), making it an economical option for couples who do not plan to settle in the UK after their wedding.
Unlike long-term UK visas, the Marriage Visitor Visa does not require payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) since it is a visitor category. However, if you need priority processing, budget for the additional fees accordingly.
Can you get married in the UK on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot get married in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa (tourist visa). If you enter the UK on a tourist visa and attempt to marry, the register office will refuse to proceed with the ceremony. You must apply for a specific Marriage Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK for your wedding.
This is a common misconception that can have serious consequences. If you enter the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa intending to marry, you are in breach of your visa conditions. Register offices are required to check immigration status before proceeding with marriage ceremonies, and attempting to marry without the correct visa could result in refusal, immigration consequences, and potential future visa refusals.
The only exception is if you are simply converting an existing civil partnership into a marriage—in this case, a Standard Visitor Visa is acceptable since you are not entering into a new legal relationship.
Marriage Visitor Visa vs Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa
Choosing the correct visa depends on your long-term intentions after your wedding. The Marriage Visitor Visa UK, UK fiancé visa, and UK spouse visa each serve different purposes with distinct eligibility requirements and outcomes.
The key decision factor is whether you intend to live in the UK after your marriage. If you plan to settle in the UK with your British or settled partner, the fiancé visa is the appropriate route despite its higher cost and more stringent requirements, including the £29,000 minimum income threshold. If you simply wish to have a UK wedding celebration and return home, the Marriage Visitor Visa is the correct and more economical choice.
What can you do and not do on a Marriage Visitor Visa UK?
Understanding the restrictions on your Marriage Visitor Visa is essential to avoid breaching your visa conditions, which could affect future UK visa applications.
Permitted Activities:
- Marry or enter a civil partnership: At a licensed UK venue within 6 months
- Give notice of marriage: At a UK register office
- Attend wedding-related events: Engagement parties, pre-wedding celebrations
- Tourism activities: Sightseeing, visiting family and friends
- Transit through the UK: On your way to another country
Prohibited Activities:
- Work: No employment permitted, except limited business activities related to overseas employment
- Study: No enrolment in courses or formal education
- Access public funds: No entitlement to benefits or welfare
- Extend your stay: The visa cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances
- Switch to another visa: Cannot apply for a different visa category from within the UK
- Bring dependents: Family members must apply separately for their own visas
- Live in the UK long-term: Cannot make the UK your main home through frequent visits
- The Marriage Visitor Visa costs £127 with a 3-week standard processing time
- You cannot get married on a Standard Visitor Visa—a Marriage Visitor Visa is required
- This visa does not lead to settlement and cannot be extended or switched
- Give notice of marriage at least 29 days before your ceremony (up to 70 days if subject to immigration control)
- If you plan to live in the UK after marriage, apply for a Fiancé Visa instead
Frequently Asked Questions: Marriage Visitor Visa UK
How long does a Marriage Visitor Visa UK take to process in 2026?
The standard Marriage Visitor Visa UK processing time is approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) after submitting your biometrics. For urgent cases, priority service is available for £500 (5 working days) or super priority for £1,000 (next working day), subject to availability at your visa application centre. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date to allow for potential delays.
Can I switch from a Marriage Visitor Visa to a Spouse Visa while in the UK?
No, you cannot switch from a Marriage Visitor Visa to a Spouse Visa while in the UK. The Marriage Visitor Visa is strictly for temporary visits, and holders must leave the UK before their visa expires. If you wish to live in the UK with your spouse after marriage, you must return to your country of residence and apply for a Spouse Visa from there. If settlement is your intention, consider applying for a Fiancé Visa instead, which allows switching to a Spouse Visa after marriage.
Can I get married in the UK on a tourist visa?
No, you cannot legally get married in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa (tourist visa). Register offices check immigration status before allowing marriages to proceed, and attempting to marry without a Marriage Visitor Visa will result in your ceremony being refused. This could also have negative consequences for future UK visa applications. You must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa specifically if you intend to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK.
How much does a Marriage Visitor Visa UK cost in 2026?
The Marriage Visitor Visa UK costs £127 as of 2026 for stays of up to 6 months. Unlike longer-term visas, no Immigration Health Surcharge is required. Optional priority processing adds £500 for a 5-working-day decision or £1,000 for next-working-day super priority service. This makes it significantly more affordable than the Fiancé Visa (£1,846) or Spouse Visa (£1,938), though those routes lead to settlement.
What documents are required for a Marriage Visitor Visa UK application?
Required documents include: a valid passport with at least one blank page, evidence of your relationship (photographs, correspondence, travel history), proof of wedding arrangements (venue booking confirmation, payment receipts, notice of marriage appointment), financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, employment letter), UK accommodation details (hotel bookings or host invitation letter), and evidence of your return travel plans. All documents should demonstrate your genuine intention to marry and then leave the UK.
Can I bring my children or family on a Marriage Visitor Visa UK?
No, dependents cannot be included on a Marriage Visitor Visa. Each family member who wishes to attend your UK wedding must apply separately for their own visitor visa. Children and other relatives should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if they are travelling to the UK to witness your marriage ceremony. Each application will be assessed individually based on its own merits.
What happens if my Marriage Visitor Visa UK application is refused?
If your application is refused, you will receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons. You can address the issues raised and submit a fresh application with additional evidence, or in some cases, you may be able to request an administrative review if you believe there was a caseworking error. There is no right of appeal for visitor visa refusals. Common refusal reasons include insufficient evidence of funds, unconvincing marriage plans, or concerns about your intention to leave the UK after the wedding.
Is the marriage notice period different for Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yes, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different procedures. In England and Wales, you must give notice in person at a register office at least 29 days before your ceremony (potentially extended to 70 days for those subject to immigration control). In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you can give notice by post, which may be more convenient if you're travelling specifically for your wedding. Scotland has its own marriage laws and requirements, so contact the relevant Scottish registrar directly for specific guidance on timelines and documentation.
For the most current information on Marriage Visitor Visa UK requirements and application procedures, always refer to the official UK Government guidance and UK Visas and Immigration portal. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with complex applications or previous refusal cases.