Marriage Visitor visa
For people who want to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership but not settle.
The Marriage Visitor visa is a UK visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£127) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Marriage Visitor visa is for
For people who want to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership but not settle.
Does not lead to settlement; for settling with a partner use the Family/spouse route instead.
Marriage Visitor visa - eligibility criteria
- Getting married or forming a civil partnership in the UK
- Marrying within the 6-month visit period
- Will leave the UK at the end of the visit
- Can support yourself without public funds
- Both partners are free to marry
Marriage Visitor visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Marriage Visitor visa (United Kingdom) is ~£127, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online from outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Short study permitted |
| Government fee | ~£127 |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; for settling with a partner use the Family/spouse route instead. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; for settling with a partner use the Family/spouse route instead.
Many applicants also compare Standard Visitor · Standard Visitor visa, Family Partner · Family visa (spouse or partner, Appendix FM). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Marriage Visitor visa pitfalls we fix
Marriage Visitor visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Marriage Visitor visa cost?
The Marriage Visitor visa government fee is ~£127. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Marriage Visitor visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Marriage Visitor visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; for settling with a partner use the Family/spouse route instead.
Can I work on the Marriage Visitor visa?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Marriage Visitor visa?
For people who want to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership but not settle.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority