When you enter the UK on a fiancé visa, you're given six months to legally marry or form a civil partnership. You can’t give notice or book the ceremony before arriving in the UK — these steps must be completed in person, after your arrival.
Missing the legal deadlines can result in a visa overstay, so planning everything early is essential.
1. Giving Notice of Marriage
You and your partner must attend your local register office together to give notice of your intent to marry. This must be done at least 29 days before your wedding.
In some cases, your application might be referred to the Home Office, and this can extend the notice period to up to 70 days, especially for international couples.
Tip: Give notice as soon as possible after arriving in the UK.
2. Booking Your Wedding Ceremony
You can book your wedding only after entering the UK. Some register offices allow provisional bookings, which become confirmed once your notice is accepted.
Make sure your venue is approved for legal marriages or partnerships under UK law.
3. Required Documents
Prepare and bring the following original documents:
The registrar may also ask questions to confirm your relationship is genuine.
While in the UK on a fiancé visa, you're not allowed to work or claim public funds. Your UK-based partner must support all living and wedding costs.
This makes budgeting critical. Consider a simple civil ceremony instead of a large wedding. You can always plan a bigger celebration later once your legal status is secured.
Don’t forget to budget for your spouse visa application after the wedding — this includes:
In 2025, your partner must earn at least £29,000 per year or have equivalent savings to meet the financial requirement.
Your wedding must follow UK legal requirements to be recognized by the Home Office. Here's how to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Once married, you must apply to switch to a spouse visa before your fiancé visa expires. A spouse visa allows you to:
✅ Live and work in the UK
✅ Study and access the NHS
✅ Begin your journey toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Key requirements for a spouse visa:
Need help preparing your application? Our legal experts can guide you every step of the way.
At GMS Immigration, we specialise in helping international couples navigate the UK’s visa system with ease. From fiancé visa support to spouse visa applications, we ensure that your love story continues without immigration stress.
📞 Call: 020 8059 0483
📱 WhatsApp: +44 7455 861135
🌐 Visit GMS Immigration
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No, work is not permitted while on a fiancé visa. You can only work after switching to a spouse visa.
You can give notice only after arriving in the UK. The notice must be given at least 29 days before your wedding.
If you don’t marry or switch to a spouse visa before your fiancé visa expires, you must leave the UK. Staying beyond the visa expiry may lead to legal consequences.
Yes, but only if the venue and officiant are legally recognised under UK law. Always confirm with the registrar beforehand.
Yes, but seeking professional immigration advice improves your chances of success and ensures you meet all legal requirements.
A fiancé visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to marry their partner. You have six months to marry and must then apply for a spouse visa to remain.
Yes, you must apply for a spouse visa after your marriage to continue staying in the UK. A new application and supporting documents are required.
