Visitor Visa for Weddings in the UK 2026
What you need to know
- •Getting married in the UK requires a Marriage Visitor Visa (£115).
- •A Standard Visitor Visa is NOT sufficient for getting married.
- •After the wedding, you must leave the UK.
- •To live with your spouse, apply for a Spouse Visa from your home country.
- •Attending a wedding as a guest requires only a Standard Visitor Visa.
If you want to get married in the UK, you need a Marriage Visitor Visa — a Standard Visitor Visa is not sufficient. After the ceremony, you must leave and apply for a Spouse Visa from your home country if you want to live in the UK. This guide covers both scenarios: getting married and attending as a guest.
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Getting Married in the UK
If you are a non-visa national or visa national who wants to get married in the UK, you need a Marriage Visitor Visa. This is a specific visa category that:
- Costs £115
- Allows a stay of up to 6 months
- Permits you to get married or form a civil partnership
- Requires you to leave after the ceremony
You cannot get married on a Standard Visitor Visa. Getting married without the correct visa is a breach of conditions.
Giving Notice
Before you can marry in England and Wales, you must give notice at a register office. If one partner is not a British or Irish citizen and is subject to immigration control, you may need to give notice at a designated register office. There is a 28-day notice period before the ceremony can take place. Plan your arrival in the UK accordingly.
After the Wedding
After your ceremony, you must leave the UK before your Marriage Visitor Visa expires. You cannot:
- Switch to a Spouse Visa from inside the UK
- Extend your Marriage Visitor Visa
- Stay in the UK permanently
To join your spouse in the UK long-term, return to your home country and apply for a Spouse Visa. See our visitor to spouse visa guide for details on this process.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.
Attending as a Guest
If you are attending someone else's wedding in the UK, a Standard Visitor Visa (or visa-free entry) is appropriate. No special visa is needed. Include the wedding invitation in your visa application as evidence of the purpose of your visit.
Documents for a Marriage Visitor Visa
- Valid passport
- Evidence of the wedding booking (venue confirmation)
- Financial evidence
- Proof that you intend to leave after the ceremony
- Your partner's details and evidence of the relationship
For document guidance, see our visitor visa documents guide.
Next Steps
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.