UK Marriage Visitor Visa
A Marriage Visitor visa lets you come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership, and then leave — you are not planning to stay or settle in the UK. It costs £135 and lasts up to 6 months. Based on the official GOV.UK page (gov.uk/marriage-visa), retrieved 2026-10-11.
When you must apply
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 the UK;
- you are not planning to stay or settle in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership;
- you meet the other eligibility requirements.
If you plan to stay or settle in the UK instead, this is the wrong route — you would look at a family or partner visa rather than a visitor route.
What you can and cannot do
You can marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of your arrival — you must use a venue licensed for this purpose, and you can pass through the UK in transit. You cannot:
- get public funds (benefits);
- bring in family members (‘dependants’) — they must apply separately;
- live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits;
- extend your visa or switch to another visa;
- work, except for permitted activities related to your work or business overseas, such as attending meetings;
- study.
How long you can stay
You can use this visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. The marriage or civil partnership must take place within 6 months of your arrival, at a venue licensed for the purpose.
Who does not need this visa
You do not need a Marriage Visitor visa if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have not got a decision yet, or if you are an Irish citizen. To convert a civil partnership into a marriage, you also do not need this visa — you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Cost and timing
It costs £135 to apply. You must apply before you come to the UK if you need a visa, and you will also need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre, where your fingerprints and photo are taken. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel, and you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You may be able to pay to get a faster decision.
Related
Prepare the paperwork with the UK Marriage Visitor visa documents checklist. For the wider visitor route see UK Standard Visitor visa; for a long-term-visit permit in the same semantic space, the Singapore LTVP guide is a different country's equivalent.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Marriage Visitor visa?
You must apply if you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK, want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in the UK, are not planning to stay or settle in the UK, and meet the other eligibility requirements.
How long can I stay on a Marriage Visitor visa?
You can use this visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months, and you must marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of your arrival.
How much does a Marriage Visitor visa cost?
It costs £135 to apply.
Where must the marriage or civil partnership take place?
In the UK, within 6 months of your arrival, and you must use a venue licensed for this purpose.
Who does not need a Marriage Visitor visa?
You do not need one if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme without a decision yet, or are an Irish citizen.
Can I work or study on a Marriage Visitor visa?
No. You cannot work (except permitted activities related to your overseas work, such as attending meetings) or study, bring dependants, get public funds, or extend or switch this visa.
Source: GOV.UK, “Marriage Visitor visa” (gov.uk/marriage-visa), retrieved 2026-10-11. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position before you apply.