Planning An International Wedding In The UK? Here Is What You Need To Know About The Legal Side Of A Wedding.

Description: Read this article if you are planning your dream destination wedding for the UK this year or you need to get married as a foreigner living in the UK. 

Planning a UK wedding 2025? The UK spouse visa cost is an important detail to note for foreigners getting married in the UK this year! It is also important to check your eligibility for a UK spouse visa under the UK wedding laws for foreigners before you begin application in 2025.

We understand the complex UK wedding immigration rules put in place by the Home Office to reduce the number of falsified marriage claims so we have compiled a list of UK wedding essentials for you in this article. 

From 2025 UK wedding laws for foreigners, to key documents needed for an international wedding in the UK, UK spouse visa cost and eligibility requirements for foreigners getting married in the UK – you are about to have a comprehensive guide to planning a UK wedding of your dreams this year! 

UK Wedding Laws For Foreigners; What Are The Legal Requirements For An International Wedding In The UK? 

To stop desperate immigrants from using weddings/marriages as a guise to enter the UK, the Home Office has listed the following UK wedding laws for foreigners as a legal prerequisite for weddings in the UK;

  1. RESIDENCY

To be able to get married legally in the UK, one of the couples must have been a resident of the UK for at least 1 week prior to the official notice of marriage. This means that the couples can only proceed to notify the register’s office in their district if they’ve met up with the UK residency requirement. The UK wedding immigration rules also recommend that the official notice must have been given 28 days before the wedding. 

  1. DOCUMENTATION 

Before you proceed with your wedding, you must have compiled and sent in the key documents needed for an international wedding in the UK such as passports, birth certificates e.t.c

We’ll make a detailed list of other important documents you need in another section of this article. 

  1. UK SPOUSE VISA

This visa category allows you access into the UK to join a spouse already resident in the UK or get married. If you are coming only for the purpose of a destination wedding or temporary stay however, you can settle for a milder visa option like the UK marriage visitor visa. Couples are to physically apply for one in any register office designated to their area.

  1. APPROVED WEDDING VENUE

The UK wedding laws for foreigners getting married in the UK demands that the ceremony must be conducted in a registered venue with an authorized registrar or officiating minister present. It’s okay if you want a really private wedding but you must have at least two other people present to serve as witnesses and the ceremony must be conducted or interpreted in English. 

What is The Cost Of A UK Spouse Visa? 

The last updated cost of a UK spouse visa was in April 2024 and you would need a range of £1,258 if application is within the UK or £1,258 if application is anywhere else abroad. With this visa, you and your spouse are permitted a duration of stay of up to 33 months.

Please note that additional expenses may be incurred if you are hiring an immigration lawyer (which we strongly recommend), taking an English language test or translating your official documents. 

Key Documents Needed For An International Wedding In The UK

If you are planning a UK wedding in 2025, here are the key documents stipulated by the UK wedding immigration rules;

  • Two copies of your national passport (1 for each of you)
  • Evidence of funds to show that you meet the financial eligibility criteria 
  • A joint bank account statement to prove your level of trust and genuine relationship with each other. 
  • Tenancy agreement or mortgage certificate that shows you and your partner intend to live together.

UK Wedding Immigration Rules: How To Register For An International Wedding In The UK? 

The UK wedding laws for foreigners getting married in the UK doesn’t demand them to register their wedding in the UK. It’s okay to get your legal marriage certificate before moving into the UK but note that you are no longer required to submit it for registration either with the registrar office or foreign affairs. All documents must also be written in English or properly translated by a certified agency. 

If your wedding happened in a place of worship, make sure to discuss with an immigration lawyer on how you can prove its legality for future use in the UK. 

Types Of UK Wedding Ceremonies You May Consider For Your Destination Wedding 

Foreigners who wish to get married in the UK can explore any of the following types of UK wedding ceremonies;

CIVIL WEDDING CEREMONY

You and your spouse can consider getting married in a licensed UK marriage registry that will be conducted by a licensed registrar. It is the most legally binding option for foreign couples and gives no room to any form of religious elements. 

RELIGIOUS WEDDING CEREMONY

If you both are Christians, you can consider informing the church of England of your intentions to get married there. You would need to meet with the vicar, weeks before your wedding to seek their permission and involvement in conducting the wedding. Make sure to hold a proof of citizenship and your approved marriage visitor visa if you are not a UK citizen. Other religions such as Nikah, Hindu, Anand Karaj e.t.c are also welcome to take place in their licensed venues. 

HYBRID WEDDING CEREMONY

You can decide to have a separate religious or blessing ceremony after your civil wedding or a symbolic gathering to celebrate your new union. But you must know that they are not legally binding and only an Humanist ceremony in Scotland has a legal validity. 

SPECIAL VENUES/THEMED WEDDING CEREMONY

Great idea for couples who are a sucker for romance and intimate ceremonies and want to consider having their wedding in a special venue that holds a unique meaning to their love. Options to explore are historic sites/hotels, museums, licensed gardens or hotels, or boats. 

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