Hi.  I'm hoping this is the right forum for my question.  I've googled until my eyes hurt, but everything is so confusing. I thought I might try my luck here. 
I am here on a Tier 2 visa for work. While living here,  I have met someone. <3  I plan to return home to the United States next year, and I would like to bring him with me.  He holds a British passport and was born in England.
My question:
Is it easier to get married here and bring him to the USA as a spouse or is it better to bring him over on a K-1 Visa.
My concern is that I have been told that to get  a K1 Visa, the US government looks at the money you have earned in the USA for the last 2 years.  I will not have earned any money in the US, as I am working for the NHS here. Also, my salary is SIGNIFICANTLY lower here than it is back home.
Any ideas? Suggestions? Advice?
Thanks,
~Faline