Does your premises meet the criteria for a wedding venue
licence?
What qualifies as a suitable wedding or civil ceremony venue varies between local councils.
To obtain a Wedding Venue Licence the requirements typically include:
- Safety and suitability. A building must be safe, fit for purpose and in good repair. This means
compliance with fire regulations, health and safety standards and accessibility requirements. - Public availability. Wedding venue licences are not granted on a temporary basis. A venue
must be regularly available for wedding ceremonies, so homes or personal properties are
not eligible. - Appropriate setting. There must be suitable rooms or designated areas for conducting
ceremonies. The space should be comfortable for the couple and their guests. - Supporting facilities. There must be adequate seating arrangements, washrooms, toilets and
waiting areas. - Registrar access. There must be appropriate spaces for registrars to carry out their duties,
such as signing the marriage register. Some local authorities specify that there must also be
a dedicated parking space for the registrar. - No religious buildings. Buildings that are currently used for religious purposes such as
chapels and vicarages are generally not eligible for licensing for civil ceremonies.
When you make a wedding venue licence application with Innpacked, we obtain accurate, up-to-
date information from your local council and support you to meet all their requirements.
Can weddings and civil ceremonies take place outside?
Licensing an outdoor space may be possible if there is a fixed, permanent structure where the
couple can say their vows. This includes wooden gazebos, pergolas or similar. Wedding ceremonies
can also take place in moored boats.
Can you get a temporary wedding venue licence?
No. In England, Ireland and Wales a wedding premises licence is only granted for venues where
wedding ceremonies will be held regularly.
Who is the Responsible Person?
Before getting a venue licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies a ‘responsible person’ must be
appointed. It is their responsibility to make sure ceremonies comply with legal procedures.
The responsible person is normally the venue owner or manager. Their duties include:
- Assisting with the arrival and seating of guests.
- Liaising with the couple, the registrar and other parties involved in the ceremony.
- Overseeing the signing of the marriage register and other relevant documents.
- Providing any assistance or guidance needed before, during and after the ceremony.
What documents do you need to include with your application?
When making a wedding venue licence application you normally need to provide:
- Up-to-date fire safety risk assessment.
- Separate risk assessments for different outdoor areas (if ceremonies will take place outside).
- Health and safety arrangements which may include details of public liability insurance cover.
- Copy of your premises licence, if applicable.
- Name and address of the responsible person.
- Scale plan of the premises showing where ceremonies will take place.
- Seating plan.
- Parking and access arrangements for the guests and registrar.
- Details of toilets and washing facilities.
At Innpacked we make sure all the right documents are included in your application so you do not
waste time and money reapplying.
What happens after you submit your application?
The local planning authority and the fire services will be notified of your application, and formal
inspections of your venue will take place to make sure it is suitable.
Would you like help getting a licence for your wedding venue ?
Getting a licence for a wedding venue can be complex, but our specialist team make the process as
efficient and quick as possible.
Over the years, we have successfully managed hundreds of wedding venue licence applications. We
will ensure you meet legal requirements, prepare all documentation for you, work proactively on
your behalf, and keep you informed at every stage.
To discuss obtaining a wedding venue licence, please call us free on 0800 078 6056 or email info@innpacked.com
