The Marriages (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 allows the Council to licence certain premises to conduct civil marriages and partnerships.
An approved premises must be a permanently immovable structure comprising of at least one room, it could also be any boat or other vessel that is permanently moored. It must be regularly available for marriages and partnerships and must give the public unfettered access to allow objection prior to, or during, the proceedings.
The regulations do not allow marriages or partnerships to be conducted in the open air, a marquee or any other temporary structure.
Applying for a Marriage Venue Licence
Apply online via the UK Welcomes website:
Apply by post or in person
Please complete the application form (see 'Downloads') and return it to the Licensing Office. Details of the information you need to include with your application are on the form.
If you have any queries in relation to completing the form then please refer to the guidance notes attached. Should you have any problems then do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Office.
Once you have completed the form then please either return it in person to our public desk or post it to the Licensing Office.
Considering your application
Applications will be considered on a number of criteria, in addition to that mentioned above the Council will also, amongst others, have regard to:
- Suitability of the premises
The law is intended to allow proceedings to take place in stately homes, hotels, civic halls and similar premises. It would be unlikely that a private house, for example, would receive a licence as it would not be known to the public as an appropriate venue and would be unlikely to be regularly available for such use.
- Religious connection
Due to the secular nature of civil marriages and partnerships, the use of a building with a recent or continuing religious connection may preclude it from approval.
- Primary use
A venue could be deemed unsuitable if its primary use could demean or bring into dispute a marriage or civil partnership. Additionally, with regard to the primary use of the premises, its construction, situation and state of repair, the council would need to consider whether the building is a seemingly and dignified venue for the proceedings.
Target
The target for completion of the licence is 20 working days from the date of submission of a completed application.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it.
Duration of the licence
A marriage and civil partnership premises licence is valid for 3 years.
Fee
The current fee is £1,309
Public Register
An online register is available of licensed premises. However a more detailed register is held at the Licensing Office in Horbury and is available to view during office opening hours.
Change a licence
If you wish to change your current licence the fee is £114.00 and you should complete the appropriate application form (see ‘Downloads’).
Failed Application Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's refusal to grant your application.
You must deliver your request for review to the proper officer of the local authority, accompanied by any requested fee.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.
You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's imposition of conditions, refusal to renew or revocation of approval.
You must deliver your request for review to the proper officer of the local authority, accompanied by any requested fee.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other Redress
If you object to an application for premises approval you may give notice to the local authority within 21 days of the notice of application appearing in the local newspaper.
Trade Associations
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Online forms provided
