Premises approval for marriage or civil ceremonies

To hold a civil ceremony or wedding at premises in England or Wales, they must be approved by your local authority.

Eligibility criteria

You must be the proprietor or a trustee of the premises to apply for permission to hold civil ceremonies or weddings.

The application must be in writing (including by electronic means) and include:

the name and address of the applicant
such other information as the local authority requires
a plan of the premises which clearly identifies the room or rooms in which the proceedings will occur

Regulation summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this licence

Conditions of licence

Conditions of Licence - Marriage and Civil Partnership Premises Approval (PDF 119kb)

Fees

The fee for this licence is £1721.00.

Application evaluation process

Your premises will be inspected.

Your application and plan will be made available to the public for inspection and public notice of the application put in a local newspaper as part of a public consultation process.

To be granted you application must be in the correct format and your premises deemed suitable.

However your application may still be refused if it is felt that there are too many approved premises in the area for the registrars to attend.

Conditions may be imposed to your approval.

The Registrar General may issue guidance to local authorities to assist them in making their decision.

What happens if your application is not processed within the timescales stated?

If you have not heard from this authority within 2 months you can act as though your application has been granted.The start period runs from receipt of all documentation and payment of relevant fee.

Apply online

You can now apply for your personal licence online via the GOV.UK website where payment (if required) can be taken electronically.

Apply for approval of premises as a venue for marriages and civil partnerships

Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances

Failed application redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's refusal to grant your application.

You must deliver your request for review to the proper officer of the local authority, accompanied by any requested fee.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's imposition of conditions, refusal to renew or revocation of approval.

You must deliver your request for review to the proper officer of the local authority, accompanied by any requested fee.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.