Civil ceremonies can be held at any of our registration offices or approved venues. Approved venues are private buildings that we have licensed to hold ceremonies conducted by our registrars.
If you have booked one of our ceremony rooms we will organise a registrar for you.
You need to book a Suffolk County Council registrar to perform a ceremony at any of our approved venues. You can book your ceremony as far in advance as you wish.
It's your responsibility to ensure you have booked your venue for the same time and date that you have booked the registrar. You can book a registrar by contacting the register office that serves your chosen venue.
Each approved venue is covered by a specific register office. Pick a register office to find out which approved venues it covers:
Staying safe in our venues
Although restrictions have been removed, you are still encouraged by the Government to keep taking many of the COVID safe precautions to keep everyone safe and to reduce transmission of the virus.
- You're welcome to wear a face covering.
- Hand sanitisers are available in all our office locations.
- The chairs in our ceremony rooms will not be socially distanced but you may choose to limit your guest numbers, to keep those you care about safe.
- Our rooms are required to have good air ventilation, so the windows will be open, which may cause disturbance from outside noise, such as traffic and/or sirens.
- Our staff may be wearing face coverings.
Outdoor ceremonies
The Government has introduced new legislation to enable marriage and civil partnership ceremonies to take place outdoors. This is only applicable to venues that hold a ceremony licence under the ‘Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Act.
Outside areas are not available at all venues so couples are advised to check with their chosen venue to see what may be possible. Read the Government guidance on outdoor ceremonies here.
