Attending a UK Wedding or Civil Partnership with an ETA
What an ETA covers for guests, and what couples marrying in the UK need instead
ETA for Guests, Marriage Visitor Visa for Couples
Guests travelling to the UK for a wedding or civil partnership celebration are visiting family or friends, which an ETA allows for up to 6 months per visit. From historic Scottish castles and grand English estates to seaside locations and contemporary urban venues, the UK offers many settings for celebrations.
Important: an ETA does not allow you to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of either. If you are the person marrying or registering a civil partnership, you need a Marriage Visitor visa instead. Each guest, including children, needs their own ETA, and an ETA does not guarantee entry.
Stunning UK Wedding Venues
Choose from diverse, breathtaking venues for your perfect celebration
Exchange vows in centuries-old castles and fortified estates. Scottish Highlands castles, Welsh medieval fortresses, and English manor castles provide fairy-tale settings for unforgettable ceremonies.
Picturesque countryside venues with rolling gardens, manicured grounds, and serene natural surroundings. English estates and Scottish lodges offer peaceful, romantic environments.
Celebrate beside dramatic cliff scenery and sandy beaches. Cornish coastal locations, Scottish seaside venues, and Northern Irish beach estates provide romantic ocean-view backdrops.
Grade-listed country houses and historic manors. Elegant interiors, period features, and historic charm create sophisticated ceremony and reception settings.
Contemporary urban venues in London and major cities. Modern hotels, boutique spaces, and architecturally designed venues offer elegant urban celebration settings.
Wine country estates and vineyard venues. English vineyards and wine estates offer grapevine-lined settings for wine-focused celebrations.
Why Celebrate in the United Kingdom?
Create unforgettable memories at world-class UK venues
Licensed wedding venues across all UK regions. Historic castles, luxury estates, and boutique properties offer diverse celebration options accommodating all couple preferences and guest counts from intimate to grand celebrations.
World-class wedding planners, caterers, photographers, florists, and hospitality professionals. UK's mature wedding industry ensures every detail is flawlessly executed for memorable celebrations.
Diverse accommodation options from luxury hotels to charming bed & breakfasts. Many venues provide on-site or partner accommodations ensuring guest comfort and convenience throughout celebrations.
International guests apply individually for their own ETA before travelling. An ETA does not guarantee entry.
Planning a UK Celebration With International Guests
Essential steps, and where an ETA does and does not apply
Select Venue & Set Date
Choose your preferred UK wedding venue and celebration date. Secure venue booking and obtain written confirmation. Select dates considering UK seasons - spring for blossoms, summer for gardens, autumn for colors, winter for festivities.
Invite International Guests
Tell international guests early so they can apply for their ETA. Regular processing takes 3 working days and Express processing takes 12-36 hours, so allow time before travel.
Guests Apply for Their Own ETA
Each guest, including children, applies for their own ETA before travelling. One person can complete applications on behalf of other travelers.
Arrange Guest Accommodations
Book group accommodations for international guests near your venue. Provide accommodation information and arrangements to guests. Many venues offer preferred hotel rates or on-site lodging for wedding parties.
Travel and Celebrate
Guests travel to the UK with their approved ETA. The couple marrying or registering a civil partnership need a Marriage Visitor visa instead of an ETA, and should arrange it separately well before the date.
Wedding & Civil Partnership FAQ
No. An ETA does not allow you to marry or register a civil partnership, or to give notice of either. You need a Marriage Visitor visa for that.
Guests who are visiting family or friends can travel on an ETA. Each guest, including children, needs their own ETA, and an ETA does not guarantee entry.
Up to 6 months on each visit. Guests who want to stay on for a holiday after the celebration can do so within that limit.
Every traveler, including babies and children, needs their own ETA. One person can complete applications on behalf of other travelers.
Regular Processing costs $60 and takes 3 working days. Express Processing costs $90 and takes 12-36 hours. Fees are in USD for each traveler.
No. The ETA is linked to the passport used on the application, so guests must travel with that passport. A new passport needs a new ETA.
Planning a Celebration in the UK
Guests can apply for a UK ETA and choose Express (12-36 hours) or Regular (3 working days) processing. If you are marrying or registering a civil partnership in the UK, you need a Marriage Visitor visa instead of an ETA.