Getting Married in the UK as a Foreigner

Created: Dec 13, 2023 | Updated: Dec 13, 2023

Marriage is an adventure that many of us dream of, and when you choose the United Kingdom as your matrimonial destination, the experience becomes even more enchanting. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of the British Isles or have found love in the bustling cityscapes, tying the knot in the UK as a foreign national opens the door to a unique blend of tradition and culture.  This guide takes you through the checklist of legal requirements and offers insights into the entire process from start to finish. 

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Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the UK

There is a long list of legal requirements that need to be met before you can get married in the UK and it may seem like a lot to figure out, but with the right legal aid and the right information, you can get it done. Let’s go through the requirements. 

 

Visa Requirements and Immigration Control

The first step for foreign nationals planning to marry in the UK is sorting out the appropriate UK visas for both partners. If you are subject to immigration control in the UK, giving notice of a marriage or civil partnership comes with specific rules. Here's what you need to know:

1. Coming from Overseas: If you're entering the UK from abroad to get married, you must have either a fiancé or fiancée visa or a UK marriage visitor visa in your passport before giving notice. It's important not to give notice of your marriage if you're in the country as a Leisure, Standard Tourism or Family Visitor. This also applies to non-visa nationals and people with multiple-entry visas.

According to the immigration rules, if you're in the UK as a visitor, you shouldn't plan to get married, form a civil partnership, or even give a notice for it—unless you specifically entered the UK with a Marriage Visitor visa.

If you break this rule, there's a chance the Home Office might think you were being dishonest when you entered the UK initially. This could create problems for you, and it might even impact your ability to come back to the UK in the future.

 

2. Already in the UK: If you're already in the UK, you need a settled status or a certificate of approval from the Home Office before giving notice of marriage.

Exemptions: You are not subject to immigration control if you:

• have the right of abode
   
• are a British or Irish citizen
   
• you are already in the UK on a visa that lasts longer than 6 months
   
• an EEA national
   
• a member of visiting forces from NATO and Commonwealth countries
   
• or a diplomat not subject to immigration control.
   
• you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme on or before 30 June 2021
  
   

Choosing the Right UK Marriage Visa

Choosing the right visa for your wedding is one of the most important steps to consider. It is important to take the time to review the relevant immigration options because making mistakes in the visa application could cause the application to be refused or delayed. 

1. Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa
The Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit visa is for individuals who want to visit the United Kingdom to marry or to form a civil partnership, or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership, in the UK. This visa does not lead to UK settlement so if you wish to settle in the UK, you need to make a different application for that. 

Requirements for a Marriage Visa or Civil Partnership Visa

To qualify for a Marriage or Civil Partnership Visit Visa you must prove that: 

• You are at least 18 years old.
   
• You are in a genuine relationship with your partner.
   
• You intend to marry or form a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership in the UK, within six months of your arrival.
   
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for this purpose.
   
• You will not partake in any prohibited activities.
   
• You have enough funds to cover all costs in relation to your visit without working or accessing public funds.
   
• You will visit and leave the UK within 6 months.
   
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.
   
• Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal.
   

 

2. Fiancee Visa

• The British Fiancée visa is for those who want to get married and stay in the UK, and their partner is either British or has Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK.
   
• The visa is initially granted for six months to allow for the wedding. If you can't get married in that time, it can be extended. After marriage, you can switch to the Spouse Category visa without leaving the UK.
   

Requirements for a UK Finacée Visa

• Prove that you plan to settle permanently in the UK with your partner. 
   
• Prove that your UK partner earns at least £18,600 per year.
   
• Alternatively, show that you have savings of £62,500 or more. Earnings from shares, property, or pensions are accepted, and different types of earnings can be combined with savings to meet requirements.
   
• Each document you submit must be up-to-date.

Note that getting married in the UK as a foreigner involves making two immigration applications in a short time. Home Office fees for each application are over £1500, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge fee of £1560 for the second application.


 

3. Spouse Visa Application
The Spouse Visa is for people who are already married. An alternative is getting married outside the UK and then applying directly as a Spouse. This can save money as it avoids making two separate visa applications. 
 

Requirements for UK Spouse Visa:

• Your partner must either be British or Irish, must hold a pre-settled status, or  have a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa, or be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and have pre-settled status (must have started living in the UK before the 1st of January, 2021) or must have refugee status/humanitarian protection.
   
• Both of you  must be over 18 years old.
   
• Both of you  must not be within a prohibited degree of relationship.
   
• Both of you  must have met in person.
   
• You should be able to prove that you are legally married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK.
   
• Prove that you are in a genuine and continuing relationship where you have been living together for at least 2 years. 
   
• You must intend to reside permanently  in the UK together.
   
• Prove that previous relationships have permanently ended.
   
• Prove that you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving
   
• Prove that you meet the financial requirements of the UK government.
   
• Prove that you have sufficient accommodation for you and your dependents.
   
• You both must be proficient in English to the required level.

Note: Specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consider seeking advice from an immigration lawyer for personalized guidance. For further and more detailed information on marital visas and how to prove certain statuses, consult the website of the Government of the United Kingdom. 

 

 

How to get Married as a Foreigner in the UK

Now that we have looked at all we need to begin the marriage process, let's go through the steps you need to take to get the show on the road. 

1. Check Visa Requirements: We’ve talked extensively about all the different visas for the purpose of marriage. Make sure you do your research and choose the appropriate visa for your situation. 
    
2. Give Notice at the Register Office: You and your partner must give notice of your intent to marry at the local register office at least 28 days before the wedding.
    
3. Have The Necessary Documents Handy: We‘ve talked about all the needed documentation to get married in the UK, such as passports, proof of residence, proof of marital status, etc. Do well to provide them whenever needed. You may need to show your biometric residence permit if the need arises.
    
4. Choose a Venue: After you have sorted out all the paperwork and legal issues with the authorities, you can now plan your wedding. Choose a venue you love for the ceremony. This could be a Register office, an approved venue, or a religious building.
    
5. Book the Ceremony: Schedule the wedding ceremony at the chosen venue. Some venues may have waiting lists, so it's advisable to plan well in advance.
    
6. Attend Your Wedding Ceremony: You can finally attend your wedding ceremony and be joined to your beloved partner. Both of you must attend the wedding ceremony along with two witnesses.
    
7. Sort out Legal Formalities: The ceremony will include some legal formalities, and the marriage will be registered.
    
8. Notify Your Home Country: Inform your respective embassies or consulates about your marriage, especially if you plan to continue living in the UK or need to update your marital status in your home country.
   
    

How can Translayte Help You tie the Knot Seamlesslessly?

Our guide to getting married in the UK as a foreigner has walked you through the legal checklist and nitty-gritty of the process, from understanding visa requirements to sorting out the steps. 

Every detail matters when planning a wedding, so seek expert advice at every step. For accurate and personalised guidance on certified translation services or any language-related needs during this process, consider Translayte. Our team of certified translators is here to assist you, ensuring language is not a barrier on this memorable journey.

 

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