Licensing a venue as an approved premises for civil marriages,
partnership registrations and other civil ceremonies.
If you manage or own a venue why not apply for a licence to hold
civil marriage and partnership registration ceremonies? Many
couples are looking for a venue with a difference, from historic
castles and seaside hotels to country pubs and golf clubs.
What type of venue would be suitable to licence as an approved
premise?
An "Approved" premise must be a permanent structure that is open to
the public and is non-religious in nature. This could include
premises such as restaurants, hotels, museums, theatres, stately
homes and civic halls. Marriages or Partnership Registrations must
take place in a designated 'ceremony room' within the building.
They cannot take place in the open air, in a tent, marquee or any
other temporary structure, or in a private house.
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How long does the Licence last?
The Licence is valid for three years.
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How much will it cost?
The current fee is £1,800
This fee includes the Public Notice which appears in the newspaper
and covers any number of rooms you wish to licence.
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How do I apply?
The application procedure for a Licence is straightforward and
advice is available thoughout the process. To obtain an
application pack, you should contact:
Susan Reeve
Registration Administrator, Suffolk County Council Legal
Services
Endeavour House
8 Russell Road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP1 2BX
Telephone: 01473 264033
Email:
susan.reeve2@suffolk.gov.uk
Or the documents you need can be downloaded here.
Application guidance notes (PDF, 26Kb)
Application Form (Word, 52.5Kb)
Annex (A) (PDF, 22Kb)
Annex (B) (PDF, 19Kb)
Annex (C) (PDF, 12Kb)
The following documents need to be forwarded with your
application:
- A cheque for your fees made payable to Suffolk County
Council.
- Three copies of a plan of the premises clearly showing which
room (or rooms) you wish to licence. (scale 1:100)
- Your current Fire safety risk assessment
or apply on-line
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What happens next?
On receipt of the completed documents, an official notice will be
placed in the local press to state that the licence has been
applied for. Members of the public then have 21 days in which to
lodge any objections to the issue of the licence.
Your Fire Safety Risk Assessment is sent to the Fire Authority for
their comments.
The Senior Registrar for the area in which your premises
is located will inspect the premises to determine their
suitability.
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Non-legal ceremony approval
Some ceremonies which are not subject to legal restrictions such as
Naming, Renewal of Vows and Commitment Ceremonies may be held in
venues other than an Approved Venue or a Local Authority Ceremony
Room. This can include outside locations and private homes,
and there is a non-refundable £50 fee to cover the cost of an
inspection, which determines if the venue is appropriate. To apply,
please contact your
local
Suffolk Registration Office.
New legislation (effective 5 December 2011) permits
religious buildings to apply for a licence to hold civil
partnership registrations. The application fee
for a 3 year licence is £900 and is subject to a number of
conditions.
Please contact the licensing officer for more information on 01473
264380 or email
susan.reeve2@suffolk.gov.uk
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