How to get married in the UK as a visitor

Getting married in the UK as a visitor involves specific requirements and steps. If you’re a foreign national planning to get married in the UK on a visitor visa, here’s what you need to know:

1. 1. Choose a Suitable Visa: First, determine if you’re eligible to enter the UK as a visitor. You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, which is commonly used for purposes like tourism, business meetings, and short-term study. Make sure to mention that you’re coming to the UK for your wedding.

   2. Check Visa Validity: Ensure that your visitor visa covers the duration of your planned stay in the UK, including the wedding date and any pre-wedding preparations.

   3. Give Notice of Marriage:

      • You and your partner need to give notice of marriage at a local register office in the area where you intend to marry.
      • Both of you should be present during the notice appointment.
      • The notice period is usually 28 days, but it can be extended to 70 days if either of you is a non-EEA national.

   4. Provide Required Documents:

      • Valid passports or travel documents.
      • Proof of address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements).
      • Proof of your single status (e.g., divorce decree absolute, death certificate of previous spouse if applicable).
      • Evidence of immigration status in your home country.
      • Any additional documents required by the register office.

   5. Interview: You and your partner might be interviewed separately to verify the legitimacy of your marriage.

   6. Book the Venue and Officiant:

      • Book a venue for your marriage ceremony. It can be a registry office, an approved venue, or a religious place of worship.
      • Arrange for an authorized officiant to conduct the ceremony. This can be a registrar, religious leader, or other authorized person.

   7. Choose Witnesses:

      • You’ll need two witnesses present at the ceremony. They must be of legal age (usually 16 or over) and understand the language of the ceremony.

   8. Attend the Ceremony:

      • On the day of the wedding, attend the ceremony and exchange vows and rings as per your chosen format.

   9. Register the Marriage:

      • The officiant will register your marriage with the local register office, and you’ll receive a marriage certificate.

   10. Celebrate!:

       • After your marriage is registered, celebrate with your family and friends.

   11. Return to Your Home Country:

       • Ensure that you return to your home country before your visitor visa expires.