Marriage visitor visa In 2025 (Requirements And Documents)

You can apply for a marriage visitor visa if you want to get married or register civil partnership in the UK. You do not need a Marriage Visitor visa to convert your civil partnership into a marriage – you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The Marriage Visitor visa caters specifically for individuals who wish to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK with a person who is not settled in the UK, i.e. they do not hold indefinite leave to remain and are not a British citizen.

Do you need a Marriage Visitor Visa?

You can apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa if you’re over 18 and want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival.

The marriage visitor visa not lead to settlement in the UK and all visitors must make a separate application even when travelling alone or as a part of a group.

To be eligible to apply for the Marriage Visit Visa, the applicant must be able to show that they want to visit the UK for not more than six (6) months and they plan to marry or register a civil partnership within the period of leave granted.

What is a UK marriage visitor visa?

Under the Marriage Visitor Visa, you are permitted to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arriving. UK Marriage Visit visas are only granted for a maximum of 6 months, after which you are required to leave the UK.

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if:

  • you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK
  • you want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in UK
  • you’re not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership

Marriage Visitor Visa Requirements

You must submit the following documents in addition to any other documents to apply for a marriage visit visa:

  • Your current valid passport or other valid travel document.
  • Details of the marriage or civil partnership and proof that you’ve paid money for some of its costs.
  • Proof that you’re planning to get married in the UK, for example, booking confirmation or emails between you and the venue.
  • You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
  • Evidence that you will leave the UK before the expiry of your visit visa.
  • You must be in a genuine relationship with your fiancé(e). You will need to provide evidence of your relationship to support your application. This can include photographs, correspondence, or statements from friends and family confirming the relationship and the intention to marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK.

Giving Notice to Marry

You must sign a legal statement at your local register office to say you intend to get married or form a civil partnership. This is known as ‘giving notice’. Details of your local register office can be found at The General Register Office.

How to Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa

To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and apply before your visit. You should apply via the UK Home Office website no more than three months before you intend to travel. The process involves making and attending an appointment at a visa processing centre local to you. At the appointment, you will need to provide supporting documents and explain the purpose of your visit, details of your fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, and your future plans together. Your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, will also be taken. The visa application centre may retain your passport while processing your application. Applications are generally processed within three weeks, but this may vary. Ensure you provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays.

UK Marriage Visitor visa processing time 2025

In 2025, Home Office is taking 4-6 weeks to process a UK Marriage Visitor visa application however, you may get a faster decision from the Home Office in a straightforward case.

UK Marriage visitor visa denied, what to do?

A UK Marriage Visitor Visa can be denied for various reasons. One common reason is insufficient evidence of the intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK. Applicants must provide solid proof, such as booking confirmations from a registry office or wedding venue, to avoid refusal.

Another frequent issue is inadequate financial evidence. Applicants must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay without relying on public funds. This includes covering accommodation, living expenses, and travel costs. If financial documents like bank statements or pay slips are insufficient or inconsistent, the application may be rejected.

Inadequate ties to the home country can also lead to refusal. Applicants must show they intend to leave the UK after the marriage or civil partnership. Evidence such as employment contracts, property ownership, or strong family connections can help prove this. Without sufficient evidence, the Home Office may suspect the applicant intends to overstay, resulting in a refusal.

If the application is denied, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons. It’s important to carefully review this letter to understand the grounds for refusal. This information can guide future steps, such as addressing specific issues or providing additional evidence.

The visitor visa refusal letter can be challenged through judicial review only.

How can we help with your marriage visit visa application?