Visiting Northern Ireland to marry or form a civil partnership
If you plan to visit Northern Ireland from outside the UK to marry or register a civil partnership you must have the right visa before you travel. You will also need this before you give notice to the District Registrar. You may need to present an immigration status statement.
Giving notice of your marriage or civil partnership
You must give notice in the 12 months before the date of your marriage or civil partnership. You must present your notice early enough to allow the registrar to make sure both parties are free to marry one another. The minimum period of notice is 28 days.
You can find out more about submitting your notice form at the links below.
If you are visiting Northern Ireland to marry or form a civil partnership you will also need to provide the following with your marriage / civil partnership notice application:
- passport with relevant visa
- Immigration Status Statement (if applicable)
Visa requirements
If you plan to travel to marry or register a civil partnership in Northern Ireland you must have the right visa. You will also need this before you give notice to the District Registrar.
You can check if you need to apply for a UK visa at the link below.
Marriage visitor visa
You can apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if:
- you want to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK
- you want to give notice of a marriage or civil partnership in UK
- you’re not planning to stay in the UK after your marriage or civil partnership
You can find out more about the marriage visitor visa, including other eligibility requirements and how to apply at the link below.
Immigration Status Statement
If you are not a UK, EEA (European Economic Area) or Swiss national wishing to marry or form a civil partnership in Northern Ireland you will be required to complete an Immigration Status Statement.
You can download the statement form and find out more, including what supporting evidence you need at the link below.
You should present this and any supporting evidence along with your marriage/civil partnership notice application.
You should note that if you do not have the right visa or evidence in support of your application, you will be referred to the Home Office for investigation and the period of notice may be extended to 70 days.
Making arrangements
It is important to make early arrangements for the date and time of your marriage or civil partnership.
You can find more about arranging a marriage or a civil partnership at the links below.