Do I need a visa to get married in the UK?

Who this visa is for

The Marriage Visitor visa is for people who want to come to the UK to:

• get married or form a civil partnership, or
• give notice of a marriage or civil partnership

It is only for people who plan to leave afterwards. If you want to live in the UK with your partner after the wedding, this is the wrong visa.

You do not need it if you are an Irish citizen, have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or are waiting for an EU Settlement Scheme decision. If you can get British citizenship, you cannot use this visa and should apply for citizenship instead.

Conditions you must meet

You must:

1. Be 18 or over.
2. Be free to give notice and marry (or form a civil partnership) within 6 months of arriving.
3. Be in a genuine relationship.
4. Plan to stay less than 6 months and leave at the end of your visit.
5. Not be living in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits.
6. Be able to pay for your trip and your journey home, or have someone else pay.

The ceremony must take place at a venue licensed for marriages or civil partnerships.

Documents to have ready

• A passport or travel document valid for your whole stay.
• Proof of your wedding plans, such as venue bookings, letters with the venue, or proof you have paid towards costs.
• If you were married before: proof you are free to marry again, such as a decree absolute or your former partner's death certificate.
• A certified translation of anything not in English or Welsh.

Cost and timing

If both partners need a visa, each must apply and pay separately. Children coming to the wedding apply as standard visitors.

How to apply

1. Apply online from outside the UK before you travel.
2. Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. Bring your passport. Your fingerprints and photo are taken there.
3. Upload or hand in your supporting documents.
4. Wait for an email telling you the decision and what to do next.

You can ask to cancel and get a refund only if your application has not been processed yet.

What you cannot do on this visa

• Work or study.
• Claim public funds (most benefits).
• Bring family as your dependants.
• Extend the visa or switch to another visa from inside the UK.

You can do limited business activity, such as attending meetings, and pass through the UK in transit.

Related guides

• How do I give notice of marriage?
• How do I get a UK spouse or partner visa?
• Can I visit the UK as a tourist?
• How long does a UK visa take to process?

Where this comes from

• Marriage Visitor visa overview (GOV.UK)
• Marriage Visitor visa: eligibility (GOV.UK)
• Marriage Visitor visa: documents you'll need (GOV.UK)
• Marriage Visitor visa: apply (GOV.UK)