A non-EEA family member marrying a Zimbabwean abroad

[ceg]

I have a situation where I find I can not get clear guidance from the Home Office.

I currently live in the UK as an eea family member (my dad is irish) and I intend to marry my partner of 8 years in 3 months time, who resides in Zimbabwe.

We have not lived together, but when I left Zimbabwe we had already been together for 4 years. When I relocated to the UK with my family we continued the relationship and we are in constant communication, and have since been back 3 times to visit him over the past 4 years.

My dilemma is this:

1 - Does this affect my rights as a eea family member?

2 - What rights would my future husband have ?

3 - We intend to settle in the UK 4 months after the wedding (which is when he will apply to come to the UK due to his work commitments) - what visa would he then apply under ? would it be a marriage visa / spouse visa ?