UK Fiancé Visa vs Marriage Visitor Visa 2026
Compare the general purpose, stay, work rights, costs and next steps for a UK fiancé family visa and Marriage Visitor visa.
Reviewed 17 August 2026 · Verify current requirements on GOV.UK before applying
The central difference
- Marriage Visitor: marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, then leave; it is not a settlement route.
- Fiancé family visa: marry or form a civil partnership in the UK and then apply to remain as a partner, subject to the Family visa rules.
- The intention after the ceremony is therefore a central published distinction.
- This comparison is general information and does not select a route for an individual.
Marriage Visitor visa
- Stay for up to 6 months and marry, form a civil partnership or give notice at a permitted venue.
- Apply from outside the UK; the earliest application is normally 3 months before travel.
- The current application fee is £135 and a decision is usually made within 3 weeks after identity and documents are provided.
- The route does not allow ordinary work, study, dependants, extension or switching.
- The applicant must intend to leave the UK after the visit.
Fiancé or proposed civil-partner Family visa
- The UK-based partner must have a status accepted by the Family visa rules.
- The relationship, financial, English and other applicable requirements must be met.
- Permission is normally for 6 months to marry or form the civil partnership.
- The person cannot normally work or study during fiancé permission.
- After the ceremony, a separate in-country partner extension is required before fiancé permission expires.
Documents and evidence
- Passport and evidence of identity.
- Evidence of the genuine relationship and plans for the ceremony.
- Evidence of the UK venue, notice or arrangements where available.
- For the fiancé family route, sponsor status, financial, accommodation and English evidence where required.
- For Marriage Visitor, evidence of the temporary visit, funding and intention to leave.
- The official application-generated checklist is final.
Quick comparison
- Remain in the UK after marriage: connected to the fiancé Family visa, not Marriage Visitor.
- Leave after the ceremony: Marriage Visitor is designed for this purpose.
- Work or study during the six-month period: neither route normally grants ordinary work or study rights.
- IHS: Marriage Visitor does not pay IHS; the fiancé route's later partner application normally attracts IHS.
- Switch inside the UK: fiancé permission can lead to the partner application; Marriage Visitor cannot switch.
Frequently asked questions
Which route is for marrying in the UK and then leaving?+
The Marriage Visitor route is designed for a person coming to marry or form a civil partnership who does not intend to remain or settle in the UK afterwards.
Which route is connected to living in the UK after marriage?+
The fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil-partner Family visa is the route connected to marrying in the UK and then applying to remain as a partner, subject to all applicable requirements.
Can a Marriage Visitor switch to a spouse visa inside the UK?+
No. GOV.UK states that a Marriage Visitor cannot extend or switch to another visa and must leave at the end of the visit.