Venues for civil marriages and civil partnerships may be all shapes and sizes and do not need to be able to offer reception facilities. There are a number of venues that concentrate on ceremonies only.
We will provide staff to conduct a ceremony and register a marriage or civil partnership.
The approval application process normally takes up to six weeks to complete. Unfortunately, no bookings can be confirmed until the approval has been granted and therefore it is essential for prospective applicants to submit their application early if they have potential couples.
The approval granted to a venue lasts for three years and is renewable.
Complete an application form called "Application for premises to be approved as a venue for Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships" and send with the following:
- Three copies of a plan of the premises showing the room(s) in which it is intended that ceremonies will take place;
- Copies of current health, safety and fire certificates;
- Payment, current licence fee.
Payment
Fees must be submitted in the form of a cheque made payable to Wiltshire Council with the application form. For more information please see our fees page.
Please note: All fees are liable to be increased on or after 1 April each year.
Eligibility
An approved venue must be a permanent structure comprising of at least one room and must provide a 'seemly and dignified' place where civil ceremonies can be performed. This does not include temporary structures such as tents or marquees or structures that are capable of being moved or are open to the elements.
The premises must also have no recent or continuing connection with any religion, religious practice or religious persuasion that would be incompatible with its use as an approved venue.
There must be at least one room and this is where the ceremonies will take place. There can be as many approved rooms as the venue requires. They are not required to be dedicated solely for ceremony use and certification as an approved room should in no way affect the normal business of the venue. If the intended room contains a bar, it would be necessary to screen the bar off in some way. The minimum availability of the room is one hour before the ceremony and until its completion, during which time no food or drink may be sold or consumed.
How to do this
For an information pack, which includes the application form please contact us using the details below:
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: chippenhamregistrationoffice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713007
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address: Chippenham Registration Office
4 Timber Street
Chippenham
SN15
3BZ
In Person:
DX:
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: salisburyregistrationoffice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713007
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address:
Salisbury Registration Office
Wiltshire Council
P
O Box 2281
Salisbury
SP2 2HX
In Person: The Council House
Bourne Hill
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 3UZ
DX:
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: devizesregistrationoffice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713007
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address:
Wiltshire Registration Service
Devizes Registration Office
Crossmolina
Buildings
3 -5 Snuff Street
Devizes
Wiltshire
SN10
1FG
In Person:
DX:
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail: trowbridgeregisteroffice@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713007
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address: Wiltshire Register Office
The Chestnuts
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14
8EZ
In Person:
DX:
Contact Details (LiveLink)
Multiple Contacts:
eMail:
Telephone:
Out of hours:
Fax:
Postal Address:
In Person:
DX:
Related information
Related links
Last updated: 4 January 2012
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