Extending or Renewing Fiance Visa?

Hi there -
 
I have a question that I'm hoping someone can answer:
 
I'm American living with my English fiance' over here in England.  My fiance' visa expires in August.  I'm feeling like that won't be enough time to plan our wedding and get everything sorted.  Does anyone know if it is possible to get a fiance' visa extended for another six months?  If so, is another trip to the British Consulate in the U.S. required? 
 
I'm debating whether we should just do a quick civil ceremony together to eliminate the time constraints, and then have a separate wedding ceremony with friends and family later after I've had more time to plan.  But, if I can get my fiance' visa extended, that would be preferable.
 
Thanks for any advice you can offer!!
 
PGTips

I think it is possible to get an extension in some circumstances but I would not be confident that would include wanting more time to plan a wedding. 

I was able to get my Fiancee Visa extended by 2 months.  But that was back in early 2003, and a lot of things have changed since then.  Like, it will cost you money to apply to extend it (and I don't think you get a refund if they refuse the request  ).

I think if you're okay with the idea, what you suggested about having the civil ceremony within the time limit of your visa and then having a big celebration or blessing or whatever when you have time and money would be the best solution.

But that's just my opinion.

Peedal, what were the circumstances that allowed you to extend your fiance visa?

I simply explained that we just couldn't get my mother over to the UK any sooner for the wedding.  We asked for an extra month and got 2 months.  I think we were lucky, really.  The visa expired in February and we were getting married in March, so it wasn't THAT big a deal - and we had all the proof that the wedding was booked and set, both from the Registrar and the venue.