Approved premises

Premises may be licensed by the Local Authority to hold civil marriage ceremonies under section 26(1)(bb) of the Marriage Act 1949 and civil partnership formations under section 6 (3A)(a)of the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

Types of premises

The premises must be a permanently immovable structure comprising at least a room or any boat or other vessel which is permanently moored. Temporary structures such as a tent or most forms of transport would not be eligible or open air spaces.

The venue must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified place for the proceedings considering the situation, construction and state of repair and having regard to their primary use, be a seemly and dignified venue for the solemnisation of civil marriage and formation of civil partnership.

Premises must not be religious premises. These are premises which are used solely or mainly for religious purposes or which have been used solely or mainly for religious purposes and have not been subsequently used for other purposes.

General conditions

The premises will be approved for marriages and the registration of civil partnerships and must be regularly available to the public for use for both.

An appointed responsible person or a deputy must be available on the premises before and during the proceedings to ensure that the arrangements comply with all the conditions attached to the approval.

Ceremonies or formations must take place in an identifiable and distinct part of the premises. Access to a separate private room for per-proceeding meeting with the registrar. Public access to any marriage or civil partnership formation in approved premises must be permitted without charge.

Fire risk assessment, suitable health and safety provisions and appropriate disabled facilities, toilet facilities and car parking provision.

Compliance with the requirements of any notices or orders.