Fiancee to Spousal Visa

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of applying for a fiancee visa and I'm freaking about the timeline. Due to travel plans we already made, I'm not submitting the application/materials until July 2017. I have read the timeline and advice posts on here and assuming the worst (due to it being summer and all), I will obtain the fiancee visa in September 2017.....our provisional wedding date is for December 28, 2017. Is it worth doing priority? My only concern is that if I'm miraculously handed a fiancee visa earlier than expected, then I have a shorter window to apply for the spousal visa once we're married....what would you do?

That being said, we want to prepare for the spousal visa process as much as we can. What exactly are the required documents? Could we use a lot of the same documents we're submitting for the fiancee visa (certified housing documents, payslips, etc.?)

Sorry this was so long, thank you for your time!

Honestly?

The only way you have a shot in hell of having the visa by September if you apply in July is WITH priority.  You will not have the visa by September if you do not apply with priority.  I would expect with priority it'll take 4-6 weeks to process.  Without priority, I would expect 4 months or so.  Granted, that's just my speculation based on last year.  It could be wildly different (in either direction).

For the FLR(M), you'll submit the same documents (only including a marriage certificate and proof of living together since you moved instead of wedding plans).  Those documents will all need to be updated to within 28 days for the new application though.  Only real exception is the Land Registry document.

Honestly?

The only way you have a shot in hell of having the visa by September if you apply in July is WITH priority.  You will not have the visa by September if you do not apply with priority.  I would expect with priority it'll take 4-6 weeks to process.  Without priority, I would expect 4 months or so.  Granted, that's just my speculation based on last year.  It could be wildly different (in either direction).

For the FLR(M), you'll submit the same documents (only including a marriage certificate and proof of living together since you moved instead of wedding plans).  Those documents will all need to be updated to within 28 days for the new application though.  Only real exception is the Land Registry document.

Ah okay, guess even in my worst case scenario I was being too optimistic! Thank you for the heads up.

In regards to the spousal visa ("apply to remain in the UK with family"), I read that if you have all materials and apply for the in-person premium service- you should have the visa issued in one day....am I being too optimistic with this as well?

You'll get a same-day decision if you apply in person.  Meaning you'll leave there that day with your approval letter.

You will still have to wait for your BRP (the actual visa) to arrive by courier.  This can be as quick as 2-3 days, but they tell you to allow 10 days (two weeks) to receive it.

Honestly, I'd evaluate closer to the time if you want to pay the extra money for in-person processing.  We don't know what the new fees are yet (should be announced any day).  Check back closer to the time to see how long FLR(M) is taking by post.  Currently it's taking 7-8 weeks.  In person appointments are currently £500 but this may increase with the new fee structure.  It may be worth saving the ££ and waiting a few extra weeks - entirely an individual decision though.