There are many posts and threads in the forum (such as http://www.easyexpat.com/forums/post72588.html#p72588) concerning this question. It is a common struggle to figure out what exactly you need.

The Guide to London includes information about finding work, visas, and more. There is also a FAQ section that addresses the different visas you may be interested in: http://www.easyexpat.com/en/faq/departure.htm. We also recently posted an article on obtaining a visa to live, study, work in the UK. And of course the UK Border Agency is the best official source of info: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

Some great resources to work through! But in specific answer to your questions:

UK Fiance Visa Requirements:
The sponsor and the applicant must intend to get married within a six month period.
They must have met each other.
They must intend to live together permanently.
The applicant must be able to support him / herself, or be supported by their partner, without access to public funds.
There must be adequate accommodation in place.
There is no requirement that the applicant and the sponsor have lived together before applying.

Successful applicants receive a 6 month visa in which to come to the UK and get married. They are not allowed to work while on this visa. Once married, the recipients must apply for a marriage visa.

Hopefully this info helps you get started. I am not sure if coming from Syria will be detrimental. Anyone else have personal tips to share?

 

Looking at the forums, I found a helpful discussion about wait times for the marriage visa: how-long-processing-time-for-marriage-visa-t25706.html

While people offer their personal experience there, it seems you can get an official wait time from the UK Border agency site: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... ing-times/. Times depend on your nationality and the visa you are applying for. In general:

Best of luck with your application. Please write back with any questions you have and let others future expats know about your process & wait time.