Question regarding the first FLR (M) after successful Fiancee Visa

We hope to be applying for our first FLR shortly and I have a question for you fine fellows.

When applying for the premium service where you submit your documents in person (in our case Liverpool) how long does it take to get an appointment?

I do realise that you get the FLR there and then and that the wife will then be able to apply for the all important National Insurance number to allow her to work.

I am hoping the answer isn't "how long is a piece of string" because my plans are going to be messed up even further.

If I recall correctly(always a bit risky) you choose an appointment date online yourself out of the valid dates they have available.

We went to Croydon, but probably the same. I don't think there was much of a problem getting dates to choose from.

Thanks Graham, that's encouraging news.

You could consider more than one venue?

Isn't there something about 42 days? I think they release the appointments online 42 days before. So if you're within 42 days I guess book now.

Just edited to say - Of course you're waiting for your marriage notice thing aren't you? Hmm, well if the FLR appointment is like the VFS one, then you can get it booked and then change it as (if) necessary.

If I'm given that option when applying online then I will take which office is the quickest, something to consider like you say.

I hope its less than 42 days, we will see soon.

Sorry, I didn't explain that very well - I mean you can book an appointment for anytime up to 42 days away (I think).

Oh I see Miss Lisa, thanks

I am sure my wifes friend, when they were living in Lincoln, looked at several venue options. Not sure how they went about it.

Oh for heaven's sake, do a Gretna. No notice required. "Do you ...?" "I do" "Sign 'ere". Job done! Then down to the rubadub for a glass of McEwans' before catching the bus home. Simples, no?!!

I did look at Gretna, seems Gretna is no longer the place for a drive through wedding so to speak, deals mainly with expensive, supposedly romantic ceremonies. If I could have a drive through wedding here in the UK I would consider it, I don't know about her

With a drive through reception at MacDonalds

Seriously though, you could always have a more enjoyable wedding ceremony at a more convenient time.

Pushing the boat out there a bit, aren't you? I don't know about McDonalds' UK prices but have you seen those for Burger King? I do like their flame-grilled burgers but there's no way I'm going to pay £8.50 for a quarter-pounder when the same article costs a couple of quid in Manila.

Long time to wait though, for your favourite burger, on a matter of principle.

So, basically, we can apply for FLR before our wedding will take place. Thanks to @LisaUK here.

Presumably what we mean here is that we fix a date for FLR submission, get married and then finally submit all required documentation including marriage certificate?

I'm interested to see how long it takes to get my notice to marry sorted out, without that I cant do anything, no booking of wedding and no booking FLR appointment.

I thought it was a fixed time, Timmers? Maybe the process for application to marry in the UK and marrying overseas is different but it was a fixed 3 weeks for us to get the marriage license.

The lady at the RO said that all our paperwork had to be sent off to Head Office where checks may be made, on asking her how long this would take she wouldn't be drawn (wouldn't even give worst case scenario) and advised us not to book the wedding until we hear back from them.

For an English couple it is straight forward and takes two weeks.