Make sure you have a current passport. Check the expiration date. If you're passport will expire soon, get a new one. You can do this online or through the mail these days. Renewing an expired passport is easier than applying for a new one.
Go to the British visas website and read all of the information about getting a spousal visa to live in the United Kingdom. Before you start the application process, make sure you have all of the required paperwork. You will need to prove that you have enough money in the bank to support yourself. They don't tell you how much money is required. You must also prove that you're married. They may ask to see evidence besides your marriage certificate such as letters and photos. You will need the lease agreement or mortgage of the place you'll be staying at in the UK. If you don't have a place to live, you'll need to provide the mortgage papers or lease agreement of the friend or family member who has agreed to let you stay with them until you get your own place. You'll also need a letter of invitation from them saying it's OK for you to stay with them, a list of the names and ages of all the people who live in their home and the number of rooms in the home. You need proof of employment in the U.K. or at least proof that you're looking for employment for you and your spouse. If you're self-employed you need to write a statement of self-employment. Your spouse must write a letter saying that he/she intends to live with you in the U.K. You'll also need to estimate your monthly income and monthly expenditures.
Now that you have all the information you need, you can start the application process online. If you are unable to do it online you can get a paper application from the British Consulate. The online application is pretty straight forward. You can save the information so you don't have to do it all at once.
Once you're finished filling out the application and paying the very high fee online--as of 2008 it costs $1,050--you are ready to make your biometrics appointment. Starting in January 2008, everyone who applies for a British visa must be digitally photographed and fingerprinted. At the end of the online application you'll choose your nearest biometrics center and set up an appointment. Once the appointment is set up, you can print out your application and your appointment confirmation.
Bring your passport and your appointment confirmation to your biometrics appointment. After they've photographed and fingerprinted you, they'll stamp your confirmation paper. You need to include that paper with your visa application.
Check one last time to make sure you have all the documents you need before putting the application in the mail.
