Getting Married or Remain Unmarried?

[lauraalbury]

Hello;
I know these kind of questions have probably been asked many times before but I really need some clear clarification.
I am currently living in the U.K., I've been here since August and I'm a British national. I've previously been living in the Bahamas for 11 years and I've been a relationship with someone for several years. We've made the decision to move together here, and I'm here now to begin the process.
I've read all about the financial requirement and I'm currently exceeding that. But my next question is, how should we go about applying for visas? Should we apply for right to remain (joining a family or spouse) or should we try and apply for a marriage visa?
We will be getting married regardless of which visa we go for, but just trying to plan timing etc. I know being married is more solid proof of a committed relationship, but it doesn't seem we can just get married with him coming into the country without correct visa entry. As a Bahamian citizen, he is allowed up to 6 months in the country without a visa, but cannot work or study.
Should we try and apply for him to join me within the UK and get married after that visa? Or can we apply for a marriage visa while he is in the country?
I'm sorry I'm a bit overwhelmed by all of the information out there and not sure which route would be best. He's trying to join me in march, which will make the final month of me needing to meet the financial requirement. So at this point we've been planning to apply for a visa in April.
If we can get married within the UK without needing a visa we will do that ofcourse anyway, because we are ready for this step.
Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Casa]

It's not permitted to apply for a spouse visa while in the UK as a visitor.

Regarding marriage, you have the following options:
1. Marry in the US and apply for a spouse settlement visa. Cost - £1195 + £600 NHS surcharge

2. Apply for a fiance visa and marry in the UK within 6 months. After the wedding apply for a 2.5 year spouse visa on FLR(M) from within the UK.
Cost - Fiance visa £1195 + FLR(M) visa £811 (postal) or £1311 in person at a Premium Service Centre (PSC). + £500 NHS surcharge

Bear in mind that your husband won't be able to work in the UK until his FLR(M) visa has been granted. Postal applications can take 3 months to process, whereas an application submitted in person at a PSC is generally processed on the same day.

[lauraalbury]

Thanks for some clarification. Can we apply for a fiancé visa while he is in the country or do we need to do that before he comes?

[CR001]

Thanks for some clarification. Can we apply for a fiancé visa while he is in the country or do we need to do that before he comes?

No, you cannot apply for any visa switch while in the UK as a visitor. He has to apply before he comes to the UK.

[Casa]

Also on the date of application, as the sponsor you must have been earning £18,600 pro rata for the full 6 month period.

Edit: Ignore my mention in the previous post of applying in the US. I assume that he will be applying from the Bahamas