Civil ceremony wedding venues are hugely popular throughout the UK. However, what exactly does it mean to be a licensed wedding venue?
If you want a legally-binding wedding ceremony with no religious affiliation, and you’re getting married in England or Wales, then a civil ceremony is the best match for you. You can either get married in a register office, or you can have a civil ceremony at an approved wedding venue. To be an approved civil ceremony venue, wedding venues need to apply for a civil ceremony license.
There are hundreds of wedding venues with a civil ceremony license in the UK, but it’s important to check that your dream venue has one if you’re wanting a legally-binding ceremony. The alternative is marrying in a humanist or spiritual ceremony, which will allow you to marry in any venue (or in an unlicensed part of an otherwise licensed venue, such as a garden or private beach), but will need to be followed by a legal civil ceremony in a register office at another date.
Have questions about your civil ceremony wedding venue? Take a look at our FAQ below…
It’s not just mansion houses or castles that can be approved wedding venues - approved premises can include everything from hotels and restaurants to zoos, aquariums, treehouses and caves! If they’re on our civil ceremony venue list, then you can legally marry there. However, don’t assume that more traditional venues always have a civil ceremony license. It costs wedding venues money to apply for a license, so some just host humanist or spiritual ceremonies, or simply host wedding receptions rather than ceremonies.
The local council determine if wedding venues are suitable for a civil ceremony license. This includes whether or not they’re in a safe and reasonable state for members of the public, and if they meet fire safety regulations. The venue must also be regularly available to the public for the purpose of conducting marriage ceremonies. This is why private homes can’t be approved for a civil ceremony license. If you’re hoping to marry on private land, in a back garden or a large home that isn’t available to the public, you’ll need to hold your legal ceremony in a register office instead.
If you want to tie the knot in an outdoor wedding ceremony, then your wedding venue will need a separate civil ceremony license for this. The legal elements of the ceremony must also take place in a fixed and permanent structure, such as a wooden gazebo or pagoda. This means that you can’t legally marry under a floral arch, on an open beach or in woodland, for example. Don’t presume that any permanent fixture in a wedding venue’s garden will be automatically covered by a civil ceremony license. Venues need to purchase licenses for separate structures. If you want to know if you can get married in a garden, search our ‘Outdoor wedding ceremony’ filter or simply enquire with your chosen wedding venue.
The law does not consider marquees to be permanent structures, even ones that are up all year round. As a result, it can be difficult to have a civil ceremony in a marquee. One way to get around this is to have your ceremony over the threshold of a doorway. This way, your guests can be seated in the marquee while you are technically indoors.
A civil wedding ceremony has certain legal requirements. You must have two witnesses over the age of 18, and you will need to exchange contractual words of marriage. There is a degree of flexibility within these guidelines, and you can include your own promises as part of your wedding ceremony. Your registrar can guide you on what words need to be legally included.
By law a civil ceremony cannot include any religious element, including readings or music. You also cannot hold a civil ceremony in a religious building. If you would like to include religion in some way, you can have a religious blessing after your civil ceremony.
The above requirements only apply to weddings in England and Wales. In Scotland, humanist ceremonies are legally binding, so brides in Scotland have more flexibility when choosing their wedding venues. Unlike civil ceremonies, humanist weddings do not require specific wording, or for the ceremony to be under a permanent structure. You can also include religious elements in your humanist ceremony. If you’re a bride in Scotland, ask your wedding venue about what kind of ceremony would work best for you.
Thornton Manor is an exclusive wedding venue. Set in 120 acres, first built in the 19th century and has been designated as a Grade II listed building, this includes the Manor House, Waterside Pavilion, Lakeside Marquee and Walled Garden Marquee. More info
Set in the heart of East Devon's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we offer a fully licensed venue for your wedding or civil ceremony. More info
This stunning venue has amazing surroundings with unrivalled views across the river Forth with its iconic Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing. More info
Located in the heart of Cirencester the Kings Head re-opened in September 2014 as a modern and elegant boutique hotel offering 45 stylish bedrooms, a collection of event spaces for 400 guests, restaurant serving modern British food & Subterranean Spa More info
Horton Grange Country House Hotel is a relaxed, romantic and intimate wedding venue. We are licensed for outdoor and indoor wedding ceremonies and can accommodate up to 96 guests for a day time and 150 in the evening. More info
Mythe Barn offers an exceptional combination of traditional elegance with modern sophistication.Located on the borders of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Leicestershire, each space is dedicated entirely to exclusive-use weddings. More info
The beauty of Grittleton House is that as a family owned house it comes with the ultimate flexibility. We want your wedding day to be unique, like no other. With your vision and our expertise we can work together to make your dream a reality. More info
A beautiful historic wedding venue nestled in 163 acres of surrey countryside with on-site Accommodation for up to 36 guests, the 800 capacity Royal Pavilion, and beauty and fitness facilities. More info
Eynsham Hall is a magnificent grade II listed mansion located in North Leigh, Witney Oxfordshire, just a few miles from the centre of Oxford and the Cotswolds. Eynsham Hall is ideal for your Civil Ceremony and is a fantastic wedding reception venue. More info
Stunning country house wedding venue in Northumberland. The magnificent Charlton Hall encompasses vibrant and bold designer interiors for a stunning ceremony and wedding reception. More info
Rowton Castle is a wonderful venue, situated in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, close to Shrewsbury, the Midlands and on the edge of the Welsh border, it is a much sought-after exclusive use wedding venue. More info
Nonsuch Mansion is completely exclusive This not only means that yours will be the only wedding taking place at the spectacular mansion, but you will also enjoy the undivided attention of our expert wedding team. More info
A beautiful countryside wedding venue, this unique lodge is available both for your civil ceremony and for your wedding reception, in Otley West Yorkshire. More info
Winters Barns is an unforgettable Wedding venue in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony,or a more lavish, opulent wedding reception, Winters Barns is versatile to accommodate all your requirements More info
A charming hotel wedding venue, with a license for ceremonies, in Ramsbottom, Bury. Available for your full wedding day or the Wedding Breakfast and reception. More info
The most romantic day at one of the most romantic & prestigious wedding venues in Leicestershire. Stapleford Park is an idyllic setting with stunning landscaped grounds for a Country House Wedding, licensed for civil ceremonies & wedding receptions. More info
Langrish House, near Petersfield, Hampshire, offers the perfect venue for your marriage ceremony, civil partnership and wedding reception. An historic country house set in beautiful gardens. Also available for exclusive use.Wedding venue in Hampshire More info
St Audries Park is a fairytale manor house wedding venue in Bristol and Somerset providing a picture perfect setting and is offered to you exclusively for your special day. Perfect wedding venue in Bristol and Somerset. Civil ceremony venue. More info
All Manor of Events in Henley, Ipswich, Suffolk. Stunning venue for your wedding reception and civil ceremony. Wedding packages available. The barn is able to accommodate for small and large weddings. More info
Cain Manor is an exquisite Elizabethan oak country house wedding venue on the Surrey / Hampshire border. Exclusive use is guaranteed as Cain Manor becomes your home for your wedding day. More info
Wedding venue in Malton, North Yorkshire. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies. More info
Milton Hill House, a wedding venue in Milton, Nr Abingon, Oxfordshire is a stunning venue for your wedding day. We are licenced for civil ceremonies as well as able to offer you the venue for your wedding reception. More info
Redhouse Barn is uniquely beautiful, providing a mix of contemporary style with traditional values set in 5 acres of beautiful Worcestershire countryside. Wedding reception venue licenced for weddings in our beautifully restored barn. More info
Award winning exclusive use wedding venue in East Sussex. Saltcote Place offers magical far reaching views, formal gardens, and exclusive use. We give you the time and tools needed to create something magical. Late checkout, early check in and more. More info
