We would like to get married in the UK – Fiancé(e) vs Marriage Visitor Visa

The Fiancé(e) Visa and Marriage Visitor visa both allow you to get married in the UK within a permitted six-month period. To qualify for either visa, your partner must be a British Citizen or have settled/pre-settled status in the UK.

The Marriage Visitor visa is primarily issued for the purpose of marriage and transit through the UK. The Fiancé(e) Visa offers more benefits, including the possibility of transitioning to a UK Spouse Visa and eventually obtaining indefinite leave to remain.

Unlike the Marriage Visitor Visa, the Fiancé(e) Visa requires more extensive documentation. To qualify, you must:

• Be 18 years old;
• Be married within 6 months of acquiring the Fiancé(e) visa;
• Your partner must have a UK citizenship, or settled or pre-settled status;
• Intend to remain in the UK permanently once marriage has taken place;
• Have the means to support yourself, earning a minimum of £29,000 annually and causing no recourse to public funds; and
• Speak English to the required level (CEFR Level A1).

Additionally, you must prove that you and your partner are in a genuine relationship. The Home Office will require you to submit bank statements of joint accounts, documents demonstrating shared accommodation, reference letters from family and friends and, if applicable, the birth certificates of your children.

The Marriage Visitor Visa has more limited requirements. The Home Office primarily expects the applicant to evidence that their relationship is genuine, and that they will be married within 6 months of acquiring the visa. The applicant must also demonstrate that they do not intend to remain in the UK beyond the six-month period.

The Marriage Visitor Visa does not permit you to use public funds, bring dependants, extend or switch your visa, work or study.

Gherson recommends opting for the Fiancé(e) Visa if you are looking for a more permanent relocation to the UK. The visa facilitates a smooth transition to a Spouse Visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain, and potentially UK citizenship. However, if you do not intend to settle in the UK, the Marriage Visitor Visa offers a quick and cost-effective solution.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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