Traveling To England For A Wedding: What You Need To Know

England is a popular destination for weddings, with its classic castles, tranquil beaches, historic manors, enigmatic ruins, and sprawling countryside. London, in particular, offers a range of exquisite hotels for stand-out weddings, from luxurious five-star hotels to quirky and elegant venues. The city's transport system makes it easy for guests to get around, with a well-connected network of trains, buses, and motorways. However, those planning to travel to a wedding in England, especially in popular destinations like London, should be prepared for potential travel disruptions due to road closures and diverted bus routes, as seen during the royal wedding in 2023.

Travel to England from India

Travelling from India to England for a wedding is possible, but there are several things to consider and prepare for. Firstly, flights from most metro cities in India to London are available either directly or with one layover, with the journey taking around 9 hours. There is excellent connectivity, with over 25 airlines providing flights to England. However, citizens of India need a valid visa to enter the United Kingdom, and the visa application process can take up to 15 working days. It is recommended to apply for the visa through VFS Global.

In addition to the visa, there are certain health requirements and recommendations to keep in mind when travelling from India to England. It is advised to consult a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks before your trip to get personalized advice and recommendations. Some vaccinations and medications may be required or recommended, such as for malaria, hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. It is also important to have travel insurance that covers healthcare abroad and includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

When packing for your trip, be mindful of the English climate, which is typically temperate maritime. The coldest months are December to February, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 6°C. July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures between 16°C and 21°C. Rain can occur throughout the year, and the weather can change quickly.

In terms of safety and security, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded locations and tourist areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, and foreigners can be targeted. It is advised not to carry large sums of money and to keep your personal belongings secure at all times. When using public transportation, be cautious and try to avoid travelling alone, especially at night.

Overall, travelling from India to England for a wedding requires some advance planning and preparation, but it is certainly feasible. By following the necessary visa and health requirements and staying vigilant during your trip, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to attend the wedding in England.

Visa requirements for UK entry

To enter the UK, you must have a valid passport or travel document. It should be valid for the duration of your stay. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK. This costs £115 for up to 6 months and you can apply up to 3 months before your trip. If you are visiting the UK for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) or other permitted activities, you can usually stay for up to 6 months without needing a visa.

To be eligible for entry to the UK, you must meet certain requirements. You must be able to show that:

• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
• You can support yourself financially during your trip (or have someone else funding you)
• You can pay for your return or onward journey
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

If you are travelling to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership, you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa in advance.

England's climate

England generally has low maximum temperatures year-round, and it is sunny throughout the year compared to Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The sunniest month is July, with an average of 193.5 hours of sunshine. It rains on fewer days every month than the rest of the UK, and rainfall totals are lower, with the driest month, May, averaging 58.4mm of rain.

The climate of southwest England is milder in winter than the rest of the UK, and certain species of palm trees and other exotic plants can be grown in coastal areas. Summers are cooler than in the southeast, and heatwaves of 30°C+ and droughts occasionally occur, especially in London and southeast England.

The prevailing wind direction for England is from the southwest, and London is vulnerable to climate change, with increasing concern that London households may run out of water before 2050.

The UK is an island and receives a large amount of rain. It can rain during any season and on any given day. Generally, there are four distinct seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The summer months are the best time to visit for warmer temperatures and longer days, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C, but sometimes exceeding 30°C. Spring runs from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C, and offers blooming flowers and warming temperatures. Winter, from November to March, is characterised by cold weather, rain, and sometimes snow and fog, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 7°C. Autumn arrives in September, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15°C, and is a beautiful season, especially in light of the long, dreary winter ahead.

Documentation required for marriage

To get married in England, you must give notice of your intention to marry. This is done at your local Register Office, and you must bring certain documents to your appointment. Both partners must be resident for seven days in England or Wales before notice is given.

The documents you will need to bring to your appointment are:

• Details of the final venue for your ceremony.
• A valid passport or UK birth certificate (if you were born before 1 January 1983).
• Proof of your home address.
• Proof of any name changes, for example, a copy of a deed poll.
• If you've been married or in a civil partnership before, you'll need to bring a decree absolute or final order, or your former partner's death certificate.
• If you or your partner are from outside the UK, you'll need to bring a passport-sized photo of each of you, proof of your current immigration status (e.g. your visa), and a translation of any documents that are not in English.

If you are from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you will only need to bring the passport photos, proof of your immigration status, and translated documents if you are giving notice on or after 1 July 2021.

Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of your name, address, date of birth, and nationality. A passport or travel document is usually sufficient, but you can also use your birth certificate if you were born before 1 January 1983.

It is important to note that the rules regarding the required proof are very strict, and you will not be able to proceed without all of the necessary documents.

Bachelor and bachelorette party ideas

There are plenty of bachelor and bachelorette party ideas in England to suit all interests and tastes. Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable celebration:

For the Adventure Seekers:

• For an exhilarating experience, try axe-throwing at bars like Kick Axe in Brooklyn or Mo's House of Axe in Los Angeles.
• Go on a historical pub walking tour in London, sampling some of the oldest and most genuine beers the city has to offer.
• Take a helicopter tour of Central London for a unique perspective of iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the House of Parliament.
• For a relaxing option, go glamping and commune with nature. Under Canvas offers decked-out tents that combine comfort and luxury with the great outdoors.

For the Foodies:

• Take a culinary journey through London's East End, tasting traditional dishes and modern delights at top eateries like St John Bread and Brickle Lane.
• Go on a cheese tour of London, sampling cheeses from the oldest cheese-serving joints in the city, such as Mayfair.
• Attend a bachelorette cooking class and learn to make sushi or recreate the bride's favourite meal.

For the Culture Enthusiasts:

• Explore Central London's pubs, including some of the top pubs in the city like those in West London.
• Visit the museums and art galleries in London, such as the art exhibits in the Royal Sonesta Boston, or the innovative Pret-a-Portea at The Berkeley in London, featuring nibbles inspired by runway fashions.
• Go on a private photoshoot with Flytographer, who will capture stunning photos of the bachelorette crew in London or other cities.

For the Party Animals:

• Dance the night away at the Ministry of Sound in London, a club featuring electronic music and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Host a joint bachelor and bachelorette party, combining the fun and creating an even larger celebration.
• Go brewery hopping, visiting some of the best breweries that England has to offer, such as Harpoon and Sam Adams in Boston.

These ideas offer a range of options to suit different personalities and interests, ensuring that the bachelor or bachelorette party is a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Frequently asked questions