Licence summary

To hold a civil ceremony or wedding at premises in England or Wales, they must be approved by your local authority.

Eligibility criteria

You must be the proprietor or a trustee of the premises to apply for permission to hold civil ceremonies or weddings.

The application must be in writing (including by electronic means) and include:

  • the name and address of the applicant
  • such other information as the local authority requires
  • a plan of the premises which clearly identifies the room or rooms in which the proceedings will occur

A fee is payable.

Regulation summary

Check the legislation: The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 (external link)

Application evaluation process

Your premises will be inspected.

Your application and plan will be made available to the public for inspection and public notice of the application published on the council website as part of a public consultation process.

To be granted you application must be in the correct format and your premises deemed suitable.

Conditions may be imposed to your approval.

The Registrar General may issue guidance to local authorities to assist them in making their decision.

Target completion period

6-8 weeks

Fees

  • 3 year licence: £1,270
  • Renewal: £1,035
  • Proper Officer re-inspection fee: £150
  • To licence an additional room in an approved premise (inclusive of inspection and admin fee): £170
  • To approve other amendments to an existing licence: £85
  • Administration fee – name change etc: £45

Contact

Wrexham register office

Appeal a failed application

Please contact us 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 appeal

Please contact us 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, Citizens Advice Consumer Service (external link) will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (external link). 

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.