How to apply for a Civil Marriage Licence for Premises
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you own a hotel, restaurant or other prestigious building in Hampshire? Why not consider licensing your premises for Civil Marriages and Partnerships.
In Hampshire, the County Council is responsible for the provision of register (registration) offices and is the licensing authority for approved premises for civil marriages and partnerships. The County Council is pleased to accept applications for an Approved Premises Licence in respect of premises which meet the required criteria.
To What does the Licence Apply?
The licence will apply to named premises and will not be transferable between premises.
Within the approved premises an individual and identifiable room or rooms will be specified as the ceremonies room(s) where civil marriages may be solemnised and civil partnerships may be formed. Only these rooms specified in the licence may be used for this purpose.
There is no limit to the number of rooms that may be specified in approved premises. It is recommended that all potential rooms should be included in the original application as additional rooms cannot be added at a later date.
Can I get my garden licensed for civil ceremonies?
No. Marriages and civil partnerships must take place in readily identifiable premises. This will preclude such proceedings from taking place in the open air, in a tent, marquee or any other temporary structure and in most forms of transport. However, “Alternative ceremonies”, with no legal implications, such as renewal of vows, can take place anywhere.
Can I get my house licensed for civil ceremonies?
A private house is unlikely to be an appropriate venue for civil marriage or civil partnership formation, because it would not be known to the public as an Approved Premises or regularly available for their use. Marriages and civil partnerships must be solemnized in premises with open doors, which the Registrar General interprets to mean that the public must have unfettered access to witness the marriage or civil partnership and make objections prior to or during the proceedings.
Can I get a licence for a one-off ceremony?
No. The premises may be used for the solemnisation of marriages and the registration of civil partnerships and must be regularly available to the public for use for one or the other during the three year period of the licence.
How long does a licence last?
A licence will normally run for 3 years less one day from the date of issue and will terminate at the end of that period unless renewed or revoked.
How do I apply for a licence or make further enquiries?
Applications must be made on the County Council's official application form (available by post) and be submitted to:
Caroline Bond
Registration Headquarters
Hampshire County Council
Three Minsters House
76 High Street
Winchester
SO23 8UL
Applications must be accompanied by:
A copy of a valid Fire Certificate (if applicable), or a copy of a valid fire risk assessment.
Provide documentary evidence that you have in force a public liability insurance to the minimum value of £5 million and the renewal date.
List of Directors (if appropriate).
1 copy of a plan (or plans) of the premises clearly identifying their location and the room(s) to be licensed. (Plans should be no larger than A3 size).
A cheque to cover the inspection and licence fee
Who may apply?
Applications must be made by the proprietor or a trustee of premises. When made on behalf of a limited company there should be a separate statement of the names and addresses of all the directors.
Who conducts the ceremonies?
Approved premises will not be responsible for providing anyone to conduct civil marriage or civil partnership ceremonies. Couples marrying or forming a Civil Partnership in approved premises will be responsible for paying a Hampshire County Council fee for the attendance of these registration officers.
All civil marriages must be celebrated by a superintendent registrar and registered by a registrar of marriages, both of whom are appointed under the Hampshire Registration Scheme. All civil partnerships must be registered by Civil Partnership Registrars appointed by the Head of Registration.
How are ceremonies booked?
It will be the responsibility of couples to arrange the necessary booking of the ceremonies room and associated facilities on approved premises. No booking can be confirmed, however, unless the superintendent registrar for the area in which the premises are situated has been informed and has confirmed that registration staff will be available to carry out the ceremony.
For further information and an application pack please contact Caroline Bond or Melissa Goodwyn on 01962 846221 or email Registration.HQ@hants.gov.uk.