How to check a wedding venue is licensed for a civil ceremony
In England and Wales a civil marriage or civil partnership ceremony must take place at a register office or at approved premises, meaning a venue the local authority has approved. The government publishes a list of approved premises. Every venue on Approved Venues comes from that list, along with its approval expiry date.
Three quick checks
- Find the venue here and note its licence valid to date. Make sure it is after your wedding date, or ask the venue whether it plans to renew.
- Ask the venue which room or area is approved. Approval covers specific parts of the premises.
- Confirm with the register office for the district where the venue is. They conduct or attend the ceremony.
Source: GOV.UK: Marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales. The approved premises list is published on GOV.UK.