Family Members - Getting Married in the UK

If your permission to stay is only temporary it is possible to marry, or to register a civil partnership, while you are here, but you will usually need to have been given approval by the immigration authorities. Marriage registrars cannot conduct a ceremony involving someone who is subject to immigration control unless they first see written permission. Unless you can show you have been given a visa to come here for marriage, you will need to apply to the Home Office for permission well in advance.

An application for permission to marry will normally only be considered if you have been given a visa or permit to stay for more than 6 months, and have at least 3 months still remaining.

Getting permission to marry does not give you an extension of stay, and you will need to apply again to the Home Office after your marriage. The rules do not allow you to stay on as a spouse (or registered civil partner) unless you were given more than six months to stay when you last applied. This means you won't be given permission if you come to the United Kingdom as a visitor, or as a student on a short course, and get married to someone who is resident here. If you do, you will be told to go back home and apply for a visa from there.

These rules have been challenged in court in 2006. At Lawrence Lupin solicitors we can give you full, up to date information about all aspects of marrying in the UK, and help with your applications.

If you would like to take advantage of our expert immigration, asylum, or nationality law advice, then contact us now. Lawrence Lupin Solicitors 020 8733 7200