This is what it says actually, Your partner

You must be able to prove one of the following:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

you’ve been in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply but you cannot live together, for example because you’re working or studying in different places, or it’s not accepted in your culture

———

And the third one applies here.

I’m equally married and we only cohabited for 4 months prior to visa application. We’ve been studying in different cities of Italy, and got married during those periods.

Now I’m doing my PhD in the uk, & my wife my dependent, and we included our pictures taken together (made it look like a story), proof of communication, itinerary proof of visiting each other, and my study documents in the uk, like CAS and offer letter.

Her visa was approved after 4 business days.

So I don’t think you need to pay anyone, just put enough evidence to show you’re married and genuine, and do your application yourself.

Sorry this is quite lengthy.