How long must I wait to get hitched?

Hello all,
I am currently in the UK on a limited work visa.  I am returning to the states to apply for a fiancee visa in mid-August and then would like to get married when I come back so that I can begin work ASAP. My question is this, I realize that there is a short wait of 7+ 15 days to get married, but could I circumvent that because I already live in the country currently?  Would it be possible to apply for my wedding, go home to get my fiancee visa and then come back and get married without the wait?  Any insight is appreciated.  My work visa expires at the end of August and I would like to get to work as quick as I can.

Much thanks, very good information on this site about very complicated issues.

No, you still have to wait because you won't have a COA.  The registry office will ask for your fiancee visa. 

The answer is, it depends.  Scotland and Northern Ireland are different and Ilse of Man even more so.  There is an exception to all the rules if you are getting married in the Church of England.

England and Wales are pretty straight forward, you have to reside in the area serviced by your registrar for 7 days prior to giving notice.  You have to give notice at that point, and there does seem to be some variation in the number of days (but not for Civil Partnerships).  Basically this would apply to anyone getting married: http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/marriages/acivilmarriage/marriagec2a3.asp

You can of course "do business" during this time of entry, but you cannot "work".  Meaning if there are business meeting and the like you can attend, then you can do that during the period.