So, you’ve found the love of your life, and the UK is calling your names as the perfect place to say, “I do.” Maybe it’s the allure of a grand castle wedding, an intimate London registry office, or a countryside affair straight out of Pride and Prejudice. But before you start planning the floral arrangements and debating between a three-tier cake or cupcakes, there’s one big hurdle to clear—the UK Marriage Visa.
Bureaucracy may not be romantic, but getting through it smoothly? Now that is a love story worth telling! So grab a cup of tea (or something stronger), and let’s navigate the UK visa maze together.
💍 Which UK Marriage Visa Do You Need?
The UK offers two main visa options for couples looking to get married or live together:
1️⃣ Fiancé(e) Visa (UK Marriage Visa)
This is for couples where one partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK, and the other wants to enter the UK to get married. The catch? You must tie the knot within 6 months of arrival.
2️⃣ Spouse Visa (for married couples)
If you’re already married (or planning to marry abroad), this allows the non-UK partner to move to the UK to live permanently with their spouse.
👉 If you’re engaged, start with the Fiancé(e) Visa, then switch to a Spouse Visa after the wedding.
🚀 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a UK Fiancé(e) Visa
✅ Requirements Checklist
To qualify for the Fiancé(e) Visa, you must:
✔ Be engaged to a UK citizen or settled person
✔ Plan to marry within 6 months of arriving in the UK
✔ Prove your relationship is genuine (photos, travel history, messages, calls, etc.)
✔ Meet the financial requirement (your partner must earn at least £18,600/year)
✔ Prove your English skills (unless you’re from an English-speaking country)
✔ Provide proof of accommodation (where you’ll live in the UK)
📝 How to Apply?
1️⃣ Apply online via the official UK government site
2️⃣ Book an appointment at a visa application center in your country
3️⃣ Submit your documents and attend a biometric appointment
4️⃣ Wait for approval (which can take 3-6 months)
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
- Application fee – £1,846
- Optional priority processing – £500+ for faster decision
- Translations & legal fees – Varies
- Spouse Visa (after marriage) – £1,048 (plus NHS surcharge)
👉 No NHS fee is required for the Fiancé(e) Visa, but you must pay it when switching to a Spouse Visa.
💡 Avoid These Common Mistakes!
❌ Missing financial proof – Your partner’s income must be properly documented through payslips and tax returns.
❌ Weak evidence of relationship – The more proof you provide, the better! Think travel history, messages, and engagement photos.
❌ Waiting too long to apply – Standard processing takes months, so start early!
💑 After the Wedding: Applying for a UK Spouse Visa
Once you’ve tied the knot (congrats! 🎉), you’ll need to apply for a Spouse Visa to continue living in the UK.
✅ Requirements for a Spouse Visa
✔ Valid marriage certificate
✔ Proof of living together
✔ Financial requirements (£18,600/year income)
✔ English language requirement
✔ Application fee: £1,048
⏳ Processing time? 3-6 months. Once approved, you’ll get 2.5 years of stay, with the option to extend.
After 5 years in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and say goodbye to visa stress forever! 🎉
🏰 Top Wedding Venues in the UK
Now that the paperwork is handled, let’s talk dream wedding locations!
🏰 Fairy-Tale Castles
- Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey) – Website
- Dunrobin Castle, Scotland – Website
🌿 Romantic Garden Weddings
- Kew Gardens, London – Website
- Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons (for foodies!) – Website
🏙 Stylish City Venues
✨ Need a wedding photographer to capture it all? Keep reading!
💡 Quick FAQ (Because We Know You Have Questions!)
📌 How long does the Fiancé(e) Visa take to process?
🕐 Standard processing takes 3-6 months, but priority options may be available.
📌 Can I work in the UK on a Fiancé(e) Visa?
🚫 No, you can only work after switching to a Spouse Visa post-marriage.
📌 What happens if we don’t marry within 6 months?
⏳ You must leave the UK or reapply (not ideal—so plan ahead!).
📌 Can I get married anywhere in the UK?
🎩 Yes! Whether it’s a grand castle, a cozy registry office, or a countryside manor, the choice is yours.
📸 Need a Wedding Photographer Who Gets It?
Your UK wedding will be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you deserve photos that capture every emotional, beautiful, and hilarious second. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a castle, a city rooftop, or the stunning Scottish Highlands, I’ll be there to document your love story.
💍 See my latest wedding photography: Blog & Portfolio
📸 Explore wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat about your big day: Contact me
Let’s make your wedding photos as epic as your love story! ❤️
