We are planning to apply for our visa in early November and then use it to get into the country when I come over in late Dec. We are then planning to declear our intent to marry at the registry office. I will go back to the US for about 2 months so I can finish planning our reception over here. We'll actually be getting married in the UK though.
I am a bit worried that the passport control people won't be thrilled with my entering on a visa, leaving for two months, and then coming back to actually get married. I can't find anything that prohibits my coming back to the US as long as I actually get married within the 6 months that the visa will be good for, but I don't exactly want to piss the government off!!