Getting married or entering a civil partnership in the UK involves both legal and immigration steps. Whether you are a British citizen or coming from overseas, it is important to understand the notice process, visa options, and potential Home Office checks before planning your ceremony. This 2026 guide explains the key requirements.
Giving notice of marriage or civil partnership
Most couples must give notice of their intention to marry or enter into a civil partnership at a local register office at least 29 days before the ceremony. Giving notice means formally declaring your plan to marry.
Before giving notice, you must usually have lived in the relevant registration district for at least 7 days. Both partners normally attend an appointment at the register office and present documents confirming identity, nationality, and address.
If you and your partner live in different districts, you will usually need to give notice separately in each area.
Immigration status and whether you need a visa
You will usually need a visa to come to the UK to give notice or marry unless you fall into an exempt category. You may not need a marriage-related visa if you are:
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a British or Irish citizen
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someone with indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
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a person with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
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already in the UK on a visa valid for more than 6 months
If you are in the UK on a long-term visa and marry or form a civil partnership, you may need to inform the Home Office after the ceremony.
Visa options for getting married in the UK
There are several immigration routes depending on your plans after the ceremony:
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Marriage visitor visa – for those who plan to marry in the UK and then leave
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Fiancé or proposed civil partner visa – for those who intend to marry and then apply to remain in the UK
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Unmarried partner visa – for long-term partners already in a genuine relationship
The correct visa depends on your long-term intentions, whether you plan to live in the UK, and your personal circumstances.
Documents needed to give notice
When attending the register office to give notice, each partner must provide documents confirming identity and residence. These may include:
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passport or birth certificate
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proof of address (utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement)
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details of the ceremony venue
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proof of any name change
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driving licence or naturalisation certificate
Appointments at the register office are usually required in advance.
Notice periods and home office involvement
Once your notice has been accepted, it is normally displayed publicly at the register office for 28 days. During this period, the marriage cannot take place.
The ceremony must usually take place within 12 months of giving notice.
If one or both partners are subject to immigration control, the register office may inform the Home Office. This is part of checks to ensure the relationship is genuine. In some cases, the waiting period may be extended to 70 days if the Home Office decides to investigate the proposed marriage.
When a marriage may be investigated
Not every couple is investigated. However, certain factors may lead to closer checks, including:
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overstaying a visa
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entering the UK illegally
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previous immigration deception
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relevant criminal convictions
If any risk factors apply, the Home Office may invite the couple to attend an interview.
What happens at a marriage interview
If an investigation is opened, both partners may be asked questions about their relationship. These may cover:
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how you met and how your relationship developed
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your family and personal background
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living arrangements
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plans for the wedding
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future plans as a couple
You are expected to cooperate fully. Refusing to answer questions could be treated as non-compliance with the investigation.
Need help with a UK marriage or partner visa?
Planning a wedding in the UK can be exciting, but immigration rules around marriage, fiancé visas, and partner visas can be complex. Getting the right advice early can help avoid delays, refusals, or unexpected Home Office checks.
LawSentis provides Expert UK immigration and relocation services for individuals and couples planning to marry, join a partner, or settle in the UK. Our team can assist with:
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marriage visitor visa applications
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fiancé and spouse visas
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partner visa extensions and settlement
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document checks and refusal support
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strategic advice before giving notice
We are an IAA-regulated UK immigration firm (Level 3) providing clear, professional guidance tailored to your situation.
If you need support with getting married in the UK or choosing the right visa route, contact LawSentis today to speak with an immigration specialist and get expert guidance on your next steps