Civil Marriages and Partnerships
Source: data.gov.uk (2017-09-19)

A list of premises that have been approved for civil marriages and civil partnerships in England and Wales.

1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Registrar General's guidance for the 
approval of premises as venues for civil 
marriages and civil partnerships 
 
Ninth edition  
(Revised 6 April 2022) 
 
 
 
 

2 
 
Contents 
1. 
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 4 
2. 
Part one – generic guidance ........................................................................................................................ 6 
Types of premises ................................................................................................................................................ 6 
Linked outdoor areas of premises and proceedings conducted there ............................................................... 6 
Considerations for different types of premises ................................................................................................... 8 
Other requirements before an application can be considered ........................................................................... 9 
The application process ....................................................................................................................................... 9 
Objections .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 
Granting approvals .......................................................................................................................................... 111 
Expiry and renewal of approval ......................................................................................................................... 11 
Revocation ....................................................................................................................................................... 122 
Reviews .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 
Register of approved premises .......................................................................................................................... 12 
Fees .................................................................................................................................................................... 13 
Changes after the approval ............................................................................................................................... 14 
3. 
Part two – secular premises (premises that are not religious premises) – civil partnerships and marriage. 15 
Types of premises .............................................................................................................................................. 15 
The application process ..................................................................................................................................... 15 
Objections .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 
Granting approvals ............................................................................................................................................ 15 
Expiry and renewal of approval ......................................................................................................................... 15 
Revocation ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 
Reviews .............................................................................................................................................................. 16 
Register of approved premises .......................................................................................................................... 16 
Fees .................................................................................................................................................................... 16 
4. 
Part three – religious premises – civil partnerships only ............................................................................. 17 
Types of premises .............................................................................................................................................. 17 
Other requirements before an application can be considered ......................................................................... 17 
Shared premises ................................................................................................................................................ 18 
The application process ..................................................................................................................................... 18 
Objections .......................................................................................................................................................... 19 
Granting approvals ............................................................................................................................................ 19 
Expiry and renewal of approval ......................................................................................................................... 19 
Revocation ......................................................................................................................................................... 19 
Reviews .............................................................................................................................................................. 19 
Register of approved premises .......................................................................................................................... 19 
Fees .................................................................................................................................................................... 19 

3 
 
5. 
Part four – other guidance ........................................................................................................................ 20 
Guidance for those who wish to marry on approved premises ........................................................................ 20 
Guidance for those who wish to register a civil partnership on approved premises........................................ 21 
Designation of civil partnership registrars ........................................................................................................ 22 
Annex A .............................................................................................................................................................. 23 
Schedule 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 23 
Annex B .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 
Schedule 1A ................................................................................................................................................... 24 
Annex C .............................................................................................................................................................. 24 
Schedule 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 24 
Annex D ............................................................................................................................................................. 26 
Schedule 2A ................................................................................................................................................... 26 
Annex E .............................................................................................................................................................. 28 
Schedule 2B -regulation 6(1)(a) ..................................................................................................................... 28 
Annex F .............................................................................................................................................................. 29 
Schedule 2C - regulation 6(1)(aa) .................................................................................................................. 29 
Annex G ............................................................................................................................................................. 30 
Schedule A1 ................................................................................................................................................... 30 
Annex H ............................................................................................................................................................. 31 
Draft application form and notes – secular premises ................................................................................... 31 
Annex I ............................................................................................................................................................... 35 
Draft application form and notes for religious premises .............................................................................. 35 
Annex J ............................................................................................................................................................... 40 
Notification of approval for secular premises ............................................................................................... 40 
Annex K .............................................................................................................................................................. 41 
Notification of approval for religious premises ............................................................................................. 41 
 
 

4 
 
1. 
Introduction 
 
1.1 
This guidance is issued by the Registrar General for England and Wales in accordance with 
their duties under the Marriage Act 1949 and the Civil Partnership Act 2004. The guidance 
supplements the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 as 
amended1 (“the 2005 Regulations”) to provide the public, local authorities, registration officers and faith 
groups with information on the regime to approve premises for the solemnization of civil marriages 
and the registration of civil partnerships. 
 
1.2 
The guidance focuses on the detailed processes for the approval of premises and the 
conditions associated with an approval. It is not intended to provide information more generally on the 
legal requirements for marriage and civil partnership in England and Wales. Nor does it cover the 
approvals process for the certification of places of worship or registration of the same for religious 
marriage. Further information on marriage or civil partnership can be accessed on the GOV.UK 
website https://www.gov.uk/marriages-civil-partnerships 
 
1.3 
This guidance is in four parts: 
 
• 
Part One provides generic guidance that applies to all premises that are to be approved for 
civil marriages and civil partnerships. Also, religious premises to be approved for the 
registration of civil partnerships, (whether of couples of the same sex, opposite sex, or both); 
 
• 
Part Two provides additional guidance that is specific to the approval of secular premises for 
civil marriages and civil partnerships; 
 
• 
Part Three provides additional guidance that is specific to the approval of religious premises 
for civil partnerships; and 
 
• 
Part Four provides other guidance for couples wishing to solemnize a marriage or register a 
civil partnership on approved premises and gives information about the designation of civil 
partnership registrars. 
 
1.4 
The relevant legislation that provides for the approval of premises for civil marriages and civil 
partnerships are listed below: 
 
• 
Marriage Act 1949 
• 
Civil Partnership Act 2004 
• 
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 
• 
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 
2011 
• 
The Marriages and civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2013 
• 
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 
2021  
• 
The Registration of Marriages Regulations 2021  
 
1 The 2005 Regulations were amended in December 2011 by the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved 
Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2661), in October 2013 by the Marriages and Civil 
Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 (2013/2294), in December 2019 by the Civil 
Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019, in March 2021 by the Registration of Marriages 
Regulations 2021 (2021/411), in July 2021 by the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I.2021/775), and now by the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved 
Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/295). 
 

5 
 
• 
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) 
Regulations 2022 
• 
The Civil Partnership (Opposite-sex Couples) Regulations 2019 
• 
Equality Act 2010 
 
 
 

6 
 
2. 
Part one – generic guidance 
 
Guidance for the approval of premises as venues for marriages under section 26(1)(bb) of the 
Marriage Act 1949 and for civil partnerships under section 6(3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 
2004, and arrangements for the use of linked outdoor areas 
 
2.1 
The Regulations refer to “proceedings”, defining these as the solemnization of marriages or the 
registration of civil partnerships and this guidance uses this term, where appropriate. It also refers to 
registration authorities and local authorities as “authorities”. 
 
Types of premises 
 
2.2 
The laws relating to “Approved Premises” are intended to allow proceedings to take place 
regularly in hotels, stately homes, civic halls, similar premises (and, in respect of civil partnerships, 
religious premises) without compromising the solemnity of the occasion. 
 
2.3 
The 2005 regulations (as amended) define  “premises”  as “built premises” together with 
“linked outdoor areas”. 
 
2.4 
"Built premises" are defined as a permanently immovable structure comprising at least a room 
or any boat or other vessel which is permanently moored. 
 
2.5 
 “Linked outdoor areas”  are now defined as “any areas within the boundary of the land of which 
the built premises form part, which are not built premises and which may be used in common with the 
built premises”. This amended definition captures outdoor locations within the boundary of the same 
property as the Approved Premises but, in particular, permits proceedings to be held in semi-
permanent structures (such as marquees) within the linked outdoor area, without any requirement that 
the structure have at least 50% open sides (as was required by the temporary regulations which ran 
from 1 July 2021 to 5 April 2022). The definitions of “built premises” and “linked outdoor areas” are 
mutually exclusive, providing greater clarity to venues and couples over the distinction between 
ceremonies held in an approved room or in the linked outdoor areas. 
 
2.6 
Any premises outside this definition, such as most forms of transport, or land which is not land 
of which the built premises form part would not be eligible for approval. The minimum requirement 
for approval is that there must be built premises, whether or not there are any linked outdoor 
areas. In addition, there are other statutory requirements that must be met before an approval can be 
granted. 
 
2.7 
In terms of the built premises, having regard to their primary use, situation, construction and 
state of repair, these must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified venue for the 
proceedings. Proceedings on built premises must take place in a room, or room within the built 
premises which are identifiable by description as a distinct part of those premises. The primary use of 
a building would render it unsuitable if that use could demean proceedings or bring them into disrepute.  
 
2.8 
Amendments have been made to the definitions of “religious premises” and “shared buildings” 
to clarify that only the built premises must meet the defining criteria. 
 
 
Linked outdoor areas of premises and proceedings conducted there 
 
2.9 
The 2005 regulations (as amended) permit existing Approved Premises to conduct 
ceremonies in any linked outdoor areas which are available for use by the premises without the 
need for any prior approval of these linked outdoor areas. For new applications for approval as 

7 
 
Approved Premises, a plan of the premises must be submitted. The plan must show both the built 
premises (and the room or rooms within the built premises for which approval is sought and which 
are to be used for proceedings) together with the boundary of the land of which the built premises 
form part. It is not necessary to identify on the plan specific locations within the linked outdoor 
areas where proceedings are to take place. It is important to note that the regulations do not permit 
another premises on the same land which is not an Approved Premises to conduct any outdoor 
proceedings in the linked outdoor areas. 
 
2.10 
Schedule 2B (Annex E) and Schedule 2C (Annex F) set out for secular premises and 
religious premises respectively conditions for proceedings held in linked outdoor areas. There is a 
requirement in respect of the location for each proceedings within the linked outdoor area 
that prior confirmation must be secured from the superintendent registrar of the district in 
which the approved premises are situated (or the authority, as the case may be) that, in their 
opinion, having regard to the primary use, situation, construction and state of repair, the 
proceedings will take place in a seemly and dignified location within the linked outdoor 
areas. It follows that the assessment is specific to the location where individual proceedings will 
take place and not to the linked outdoor areas as a whole.  
 
2.11 
The responsible person must therefore discuss with the superintendent registrar (or the 
authority, as the case may be), the proposed location for outdoor proceedings before arranging 
those proceedings to secure confirmation that the proposed location is seemly and dignified. This 
is to avoid a situation where proceedings cannot take place on the day because they fail to meet 
the seemly and dignified condition. 
 
2.12 
The location for the proceedings must be identifiable by way of description to the public and 
a suitable notice must be displayed at each public entrance to the premises (both the built 
premises and the linked outdoor areas) stating (i) that the premises have been approved for the 
proceedings; (ii) a description of the location of the outdoor proceedings; (iii) directions to the 
outdoor proceedings 
 
2.13 
Further, whether a location is identifiable by description will depend on the particular 
relevant features of the linked outdoor areas, including the size of the outdoor areas, the particular 
terrain and whether there are landmarks or clearly distinct or defined spaces to which the 
description could refer. An example of a location which is not identifiable by description may  be an 
obscure unmarked location in a vast field or extensive gardens. This  condition requires that the 
location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings take place be identifiable by 
directions which are capable of being stated in a notice to enable the public to access the location. 
Such a notice must state a description of the location of the proceedings.  
 
2.14 
Food and drink may not be sold to or permitted to be consumed by persons gathering for 
the purpose of the proceedings, or during the proceedings (save for non-alcoholic drinks consumed 
prior to the proceedings). This condition applies to the immediate area where the ceremony is 
taking place, rather than to the venue as a whole at that time, thereby not prohibiting the sale of 
food and drink to be consumed elsewhere or as part of other events at the same time at the venue.  
 
2.15 
Superintendent registrars will already be aware of the need to protect themselves from 
“knowingly and wilfully” solemnizing, or permitting to be solemnized, a marriage on a premises 
which are not Approved Premises. Superintendent registrars will need to be satisfied that the 
proposed proceedings are on the approved premises. When approached by an Approved 
Premises about satisfying the seemly and dignified requirement for the proposed location of 
outdoor proceedings, the superintendent registrar should take reasonable steps to obtain the 
necessary confirmation from the Approved Premises that the proposed location for the outdoor 
proceedings is within the boundary of the land of which the built premises forms part, and which is 
available for use by the built premises (“which may be used in common with the built premises”).  

8 
 
 
2.16 
In practice, superintendent registrars will be familiar with many of the existing Approved 
Premises in their registration district which regularly conduct ceremonies and will be able to obtain 
the necessary confirmation from the responsible person at the Approved Premises. It is a matter of 
judgement for the superintendent registrar whether they should seek confirmation in writing that the 
proposed location fulfils the requirements of the regulations in respect of being within the boundary 
of the land of which the built premises form part, and which is available to the built premises.  
 
2.17 
It is for Approved Premises to determine whether or not they wish to provide the option of 
proceedings in any linked outdoor areas and to ensure that the requirements for proceedings held 
in those areas meet the necessary conditions. As with all functions held on public premises, 
Approved Premises will need to ensure that existing health and safety requirements and fire 
precautions are complied with. There is no requirement for Approved Premises to facilitate outdoor 
proceedings. 
 
 
Considerations for different types of premises 
 
2.18 
The built premises must not be any part of a register office on the plan submitted by the 
authority and approved by the Registrar General under the Registration Service Act 1953. Any rooms 
in the same premises as the register office that aren’t on this plan, e.g., a council chamber in the same 
town hall, can be approved but a room in a register office cannot be approved. 
 
2.19 
Premises that are religious premises (as defined by section 6A(3C) of the Civil Partnership 
Act) may not be approved for civil marriages. Following amendments to the 2005 Regulations made in 
December 2011, religious premises can be approved for the registration of civil partnerships 
between couples of the same sex. Since 2 December 2019, applications can also be made for 
religious premises to be approved for the registration of civil partnerships of opposite sex couples. 
Further guidance about the type of religious premises that may be approved, and necessary 
consents, is provided in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of this document. 
 
2.20 
When approving non-religious premises under the 2005 regulations , it is intended that 
authorities approve premises for both the registration of civil partnerships and the solemnization of 
civil marriages. Since 2 December 2019, non-religious premises that are already Approved 
Premises for marriages and civil partnerships are automatically approved for the registration of civil 
partnerships of opposite sex couples as well as same sex couples. 
 
2.21 
In contrast, applications for religious premises to be approved must specify if the approval 
required is for the registration of civil partnerships between two people of the same sex, the 
opposite sex or civil partnerships generally (i.e. two people whether of the same or opposite sex). 
The necessary consents for the approval of religious premises is required. 
 
2.22 
When approved by an authority it is expected that the built premises are made available 
regularly for the registration of civil partnerships and the solemnization of civil marriages. Owners 
or occupiers of premises will not be able to refuse to host either marriages or civil partnerships on 
the grounds of sexual orientation. However, this may not apply to premises that are owned or 
controlled by a religious organisation, though are not religious premises as defined in Regulation 
5(1B) of the 2005 Regulations: 
 
(a) a church or chapel of the Church of England; 
(b) a church or chapel of the Church in Wales; 
(c) a place of meeting for religious worship included in the list of certified places maintained by 
the Registrar General under section 7 of the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855; 

9 
 
(d) a place of meeting for members of the Society of Friends; or 
(e) a Jewish synagogue. 
 
2.23 
The owners or occupiers of these premises, should they wish to, are able to refuse to host 
civil partnership registrations, providing they fall under the exceptions set out in Schedule 23 to the 
Equality Act 2010. 
 
2.24 
If the conditions set out in Schedule 23 are met, then organisations relating to religion or 
belief (as defined), whose sole or main purpose is not commercial and where it is not acting under 
contract on behalf of a public authority, can rely on the exception to refuse to host civil partnership 
registrations on the premises which they own or control without the risk of a successful legal action 
against them for unlawful sexual orientation discrimination. 
 
2.25 
In these instances, authorities should not revoke an Approved Premises grant of approval if 
the religious organisation lawfully refuses to host civil partnership registrations. 
 
Other requirements before an application can be considered 
 
2.26 
In addition to being satisfied that the requirements relating to the type of premises are met, the 
authority will want to be satisfied that the fire assessment in place at the premises is suitable for the 
intended purpose. The authority will also want to be content that no planning permission is necessary 
for the use of the venue for marriages or civil partnerships. 
 
2.27 
In addition to the national criteria, authorities may if they wish, specify local requirements. 
These should apply to all premises within their area for which approval is sought. Though this is a 
matter for individual authorities it is possible that these requirements will relate, amongst other things, 
to disabled access, a separate room for pre-proceedings questioning by the registrar, toilet facilities, 
the seating capacity of the relevant room(s), an available approved room or covered structure  as an 
alternative to any linked outdoor area in the event of bad weather, and car parking provision. Existing 
health and safety requirements and fire precautions must also be complied with. 
 
 
The application process 
 
2.28 
To simplify the application procedure, authorities are advised to introduce an application form 
outlining the requirements for approval. Draft application forms are provided at Annexes H and I to this 
guidance. The boundary of the land of which the built premises form part and all rooms that 
might be used for proceedings, including those intended as a contingency, should be 
indicated as such on the plan that accompanies the application, as once approval is granted, 
proceedings may only take place in the room(s) or linked outdoor areas approved. It is therefore 
essential that the owners of premises and authorities ensure both the application and the approval are 
clear in this area. 
 
2.29 
An application for approval may be made by the proprietor or trustee of premises. The 
application can only be made to the authority in which area the premises are located, and a separate 
application should be made for each premises. Authorities should in some way communicate that 
applications are to be made to the Proper Officer of the authority and more generally provide advice 
and information on the application process. 
 
2.30 
The applicant must provide the following to the authority: 
 
• 
an application in writing, including the name and address of the applicant; 
 

10 
 
• 
a plan of the premises which clearly identifies the room or rooms in which the proceedings 
will take place if approval is granted together with the boundary of the land of which the built 
premises form part for which the linked outdoor areas may also be used for proceedings; 
and 
 
• 
if the authority requires - a fee to fund the approval process. 
 
2.31 
Authorities may request further information that they consider is reasonable to accompany an 
application. Authorities are advised to make available a standard application form to ensure they 
obtain the necessary information from the applicant at the earliest stage of the process. 
 
2.32 
As soon as is practicable after receiving the application authorities are required to publicise 
the application for a period of 21 days. This can be through: 
 
• 
placing an advertisement in a local newspaper (which may be a newspaper distributed free of 
charge), which is in general circulation at intervals of not more than one week in the area in 
which the premises are situated; or 
 
• 
publishing notice of the application on the authority’s website. 
 
 
2.33 
The authority may choose to use either of these methods and may also choose to give notice 
of the application in other ways (although it is not obliged to do so). The notice that publicises the 
application must: 
 
• 
identify the premises and the applicant; 
 
• 
indicate the address at which the application, the plan accompanying it and any consents 
may be inspected; 
 
• 
state that any person may give notice in writing of an objection to the grant of approval, with 
reasons for the objection, within 21 days from the date on which the notice is published; and 
 
• 
state the address of the offices of the authority to which such notice of objection should be 
given. 
 
2.34 
In accordance with this notice, the authority must make the application, the plans and any 
consents available for public inspection during the working day. There are no restrictions on the 
address where applications and plans are made available for public inspection, although authorities 
should seek to ensure that they are in a location where policy advice on the attachment of local 
conditions and the review process can be given. 
 
2.35 
As soon as practicable after receiving an application the authority must inspect the premises. 
In respect of religious premises only it may decide not to inspect if it considers that it is not necessary 
(because for example the premises are already used for religious marriages). Authorities may consider 
the views and experience of the local superintendent registrar to be helpful at the inspection, although 
this would be outside of their registration duties. 
 
 
Objections 
 
2.36 
The authority must put in place a process where they are able to consider any objections to an 
application. The decision about whether to approve premises sits with the authority, however they 
need to ensure that they consider their decision in light of any objections made. It is not a matter for 

11 
 
this guidance to provide detail on any grounds for objection, nor provide advice to authorities on the 
validity of any grounds as the reasons are likely to differ significantly across England and Wales. 
 
 
Granting approvals 
 
2.37 
The authority may only grant approval if it is satisfied that the application has been made in 
accordance with the Regulations, that the built premises fulfil the requirements set out in Schedule 1 
or 1A to the Regulations as applicable {Annex A, or Annex B to this guidance} and that the premises 
fulfil any other reasonable requirements which the authority considers appropriate to ensure the 
facilities provided at the premises are suitable. 
 
2.38 
The authority may refuse to grant approval, or attach such additional conditions to an approval 
that it considers appropriate. As soon as is practicable after making a decision the authority must 
notify its decision in writing to the applicant and any person that has given notice of objection to the 
application. If approval is refused, or conditions other than the standard conditions (i.e. those set out in 
Schedule 2 or 2A to the Regulations {Annex C or Annex D to this guidance} and those set out in 
Schedule 2B or 2C in respect of linked outdoor areas only {Annex E or Annex F to this guidance}), 
attached to the approval, the authority must notify the applicant of the right to seek a review of its 
decision. 
 
2.39 
If the authority has granted approval, it must provide the applicant with the standard 
conditions contained in Annex C together with Annex E (for non-religious premises) or Annex D 
together with Annex F (for religious premises) together with any additional conditions that it has 
attached to the approval. 
 
2.40 
It is for the authority to determine the period of approval, which must be for a minimum of 3 
years but may be granted for a longer period. In determining the period of approval to be granted, 
authorities are encouraged to consider the potential benefits to applicants of extending the period of 
approval beyond the 3 year minimum. The period starts on the date on which it is granted, unless it is 
revoked, extended or reinstated. If ownership of the premises changes then the new owners become 
the holders of the approval. The standard conditions require the holders of approvals to notify the 
authority immediately if there is any change to the details that were included in the application, such 
as a change in holder of the approval.  
 
2.41 
Immediately after the grant of the approval, the holder of the approval must tell the authority 
the name, address and qualification of the responsible person. The responsibilities of the responsible 
person are detailed in Annex C together with Annex E or Annex D together with Annex F, but in 
short, they are responsible for ensuring compliance with the standard conditions of approval. 
 
 
Expiry and renewal of approval 
 
2.42 
The renewal process is the same as the approval process but can be commenced when the 
current approval has less than twelve months left to run. An application for renewal made within this 
period will, if necessary, extend the approval until that application has been finally dealt with. A 
renewal should be expressed to take effect from the date on which the current approval expires. 
 
2.43 
If an approval expires before any application to renew is made but an application is made 
within one month of the expiry, the approval will be reinstated. The reinstated approval will then 
continue until such time as the application for renewal is finally dealt with. 
 
2.44 
Authorities and approval holders are strongly recommended to have a reminder 
system to warn the holder of an approval, at least a month before it is due to expire, that an 

12 
 
application for renewal must be made as no proceedings can take place after the expiry date. 
The reminder system should also alert all officers in the authority who take notices and receive notices 
taken outside the authority so that any couples who may be affected can be warned. An approval can 
be extended or reinstated but if an application for renewal is made a month or more after expiry, the 
full application procedure has to be followed prior to any further approval being granted. Any 
proceedings arranged at the venue within that time must be postponed or moved to another venue 
after fresh notices have been given. 
 
 
Revocation 
 
2.45 
Subject to the exception outlined in paragraph 2.26, in general an authority may revoke an 
approval if the holder has failed to comply with one or more conditions of the approval, or the use of 
structure of the premises has changed and the premises are no longer suitable for any proceedings, 
having regard to the requirements set out in Annex A or B (in relation to the built premises) or any 
additional requirements for approval set by the authority (whether in respect of the built premises or the 
linked outdoor areas). On deciding to revoke the approval the authority must deliver a notice in writing 
to the holder of the approval confirming its revocation. 
 
2.46 
The Registrar General for England and Wales may direct an authority to revoke an approval if 
it is considered there have been breaches of law relating to the proceedings on the Approved 
Premises. Before doing so the Registrar General must write to the holder of the approval stating the 
grounds on which it is proposed the approval should be revoked and provide the holder with a period 
of at least 14 days to make representations in writing to the Registrar General. If, following 
consideration of any representations received, the Registrar General decides that the approval should 
be revoked the authority will be directed to do so. The authority must then revoke the approval with 
immediate effect and notify the holder of the approval that it has done so. 
 
2.47 
When an approval has been revoked, the holder of the approval must immediately notify any 
couples who had arranged proceedings on those premises that this is the case. Whilst it is not their 
responsibility to do so, authorities may also ask the superintendent registrar or civil partnership 
registrar who has accepted a booking or been given a notice of marriage or civil partnership to notify 
the couple that the approval has been cancelled and the schedule for the proceedings will not be 
issued (the notice process will need to be completed again by each party if/when an alternative venue 
is arranged). 
 
 
Reviews 
 
2.48 
An applicant is able to seek a review of a decision made by an authority to refuse an 
application or a renewal, to revoke an approval (other than when directed by the Registrar General as 
described above) or to attach conditions other than the standard conditions (Annex C together with 
Annex E or Annex D together with Annex F).The application for review should be delivered to the 
Proper Officer of the authority. The Proper Officer should ensure the review is carried out by 
individuals who were not involved in the earlier decision. 
 
2.49 
On determining whether to uphold the original decision, vary the decision or substitute a 
different decision, the authority must provide notice in writing to the applicant or holder, stating its 
decision, the reasons for it and, if different to the original decision, the date on which it takes effect. 
 
 
Register of Approved Premises 
 
2.50 
Each authority must maintain an up to date register of the Approved Premises in its area. The 

13 
 
register must include: 
 
• 
the name and full postal address of the Approved Premises; 
• 
the description of the room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place; 
• 
the name and address of the holder of the approval; 
• 
the date of the granting and due date of expiry of the approval; 
• 
if the approval is renewed, the date of renewal; 
• 
if the approval is revoked, the date on which the revocation takes effect; and 
• 
the name, address and qualification of the responsible purpose 
 
2.51 
It must also indicate which of the premises (if any) are religious premises approved for civil 
partnerships, and whether they are approved for civil partnerships formed by only two people of the 
same sex, the opposite sex, or civil partnerships generally (i.e. whether people of the same or 
opposite sex). 
 
2.52 
The register shall be available for public inspection during normal working hours. In practice 
many authorities make the register available in an electronic format on their website. 
 
2.53 
It is essential that the local superintendent registrar, civil partnership registrars and the 
Registrar General are notified without delay of changes to the register of Approved Premises. All 
officers in the authority who take notices (of marriage and civil partnership) and receive 
notices taken outside the authority must be notified immediately of a change of name. The way 
the premises are specified in the notices may require an amendment that can only be made before 
the schedule is issued. Details of any changes to religious premises need not, however be delivered 
to superintendent registrars, though authorities as a matter of good practice should ensure that all 
officers that are civil partnership registrars are aware of any changes. 
 
2.54 
The Registrar General will circulate regularly details of all approved premises to every 
registration officer, and details of approved premises are also available on the GOV.UK website 
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-marriages-and-partnerships-approved-premises-list 
 
 
Fees 
 
2.55 
There are four fees which may be levied, at the discretion of the authority. Each fee may be 
set locally at any level up to the full cost of providing the service. 
 
2.56 
The fee for the application for approval and renewal can be determined in advance but cannot 
include any costs of a review. Authorities may choose to set classes of fees (according to the average 
cost of dealing with an application for all buildings or buildings of a particular type) or set individual 
fees according to the cost of dealing with each application. 
 
2.57 
The additional fee payable when a review is requested can be determined on the same basis 
as the fee for the application for approval and renewal but does not apply to a review of a decision to 
revoke an approval. 
 
2.58 
The fee for the attendance of the superintendent registrar and registrar at a marriage is a 
fee set by the authority, which reasonably represents the costs to the authority of providing the 
same for a marriage solemnization. 
 
2.59 
The fee for the attendance of the civil partnership registrar at a civil partnership is a fee, set by 
the authority, which reasonably represents the costs to the authority of providing the same for a civil 
partnership registration. 

14 
 
2.60 
Though the fees are a matter for authorities they are only able to recover their reasonable 
costs incurred. The fee set may be a standard fee or can differ to take account of variables such as 
the time of the ceremony (for example on a weekend rather than weekday), distance travelled to a 
venue for attending staff and so on. 
 
 
Changes after the approval 
 
2.61 
It is not possible to outline all potential circumstances in which a change may occur after the 
approval. One common change might be to seek the use of an additional room (one that was not 
specified on the plan as being intended for proceedings) which would require a fresh approval to be 
granted following the same application process. Apart from where there is solely a change of holder of 
the approval it is likely that most instances will require a fresh approval, following the standard 
application process (although see further below in relation to religious premises that are shared). 
While it is not possible to add a room midway through a grant of approval, it is possible for a room to 
be added as part of the renewal process. 
 
2.62 
In respect of approvals granted prior to the coming into force of the 2022 amending 
regulations, there is no requirement for a new approval to be sought or granted (or for revised 
plans to be submitted) showing the linked outdoor areas it is proposed to use for proceedings. 
However, venues should discuss with the superintendent registrar, or authority, the proposed use 
of outdoor locations prior to arranging any ceremonies. 

15 
 
3. 
Part two – secular premises (premises that are not religious premises) – civil 
partnerships and marriage 
 
Guidance specific for the approval of premises as venues for marriages under section 
26(1)(bb) of the Marriage Act 1949 and civil partnerships under section 6(3A)(a) 
 
3.1 
This section of the guidance provides further information that only applies to secular premises, 
such as hotels or stately homes. This section must be read in conjunction with Part One to this guide 
which sets out the generic guidance and Approved Premises processes. Annex C together with 
Annex E sets out the standard conditions to be attached to an approval for this category of premises. 
 
Types of premises 
 
3.2 
In addition to the requirements set out in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.25: 
 
• 
the built premises must be regularly available to the public for use for the solemnization of 
marriages, or the formation of civil partnerships; and 
 
• 
must not be religious premises which: 
 
a) Are used solely or mainly for religious purposes, or 
 
b) Have been so used and have not subsequently been used solely or mainly for other 
purposes 
 
Any approval granted by an authority for secular premises is for both the solemnization of marriages 
and for the registration of civil partnerships. Since 2 December 2019 the premises are automatically 
approved for the registration of civil partnerships of two people of the opposite sex. 
 
The requirement to be regularly available precludes any private house being approved. 
 
The application process 
 
3.3 
The processes are as described in Part One. A draft application form is included at Annex H. 
 
Objections 
 
3.4 
The processes are as described in Part One. 
 
Granting approvals 
 
3.5 
The processes are as described in Part One. In determining the period of approval to be 
granted, authorities are encouraged to consider the potential benefits to local business of extending 
the period of approval beyond the 3-year minimum. The information contained in Annexes A, C and E 
should be attached to the approval. 
 
Expiry and renewal of approval 
 
3.6 
The processes are as described in Part One. 
 
Revocation 
 
3.7 
The processes are as described in Part One, with the addition that the authority must notify 
the superintendent registrar and the civil partnership registrar for the district in which the premises are 
situated of the revocation. 

16 
 
Reviews 
 
3.8 
The processes are as described in Part One. Annex C together with Annex E contains the 
standard conditions to be attached to the approval. They cover such matters as the layout of the 
premises, the consumption of food or drink, that the proceedings must not be religious in nature and 
that public access to the proceedings must be allowed without charge. In the view of the General 
Register Office the approval of premises should not be refused solely on the grounds that they may 
contain stained glass windows or other religious imagery as part of the fabric of the building. Premises 
with religious imagery or iconography would comply with the regulations provided that they are not 
being used as part of a civil marriage ceremony or during the registration of a civil partnership. 
 
Register of approved premises 
 
3.9 
The processes are as described in Part One. 
 
Fees 
 
3.10 
The guidance is as described in Part One. 

17 
 
4. 
Part three – religious premises – civil partnerships only 
 
Guidance specific for the approval of religious premises as venues for civil partnerships 
under section 6(3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004. 
 
Types of premises 
 
4.1 
Religious premises are defined in the 2005 Regulations as premises where the : 
 
• 
Built premises are used solely or mainly for religious premises, or 
• 
Have been so used and have not subsequently been used solely or mainly for other 
purposes. 
 
4.2 
To be approved religious premises must be premises as described in 4.1 and the built 
premises must be one of the types listed below: 
 
(a) a church or chapel of the Church of England; 
 
(b) a church or chapel of the Church in Wales; 
 
(c) a place of meeting for religious worship included in the list of certified places maintained by the 
Registrar General under section 7 of the Places of Religious Worship Act 1855; 
 
(d) a place of meeting for members of the Society of Friends; or 
 
(d) a Jewish synagogue. 
 
4.3 
Both (a) and (b) include a Cathedral Church. 
 
4.4 
Authorities should be aware that some premises may be shared by two or more religious 
groups or denominations. Further information is included in paragraph 4.12. 
 
4.5 
The premises will be approved for the registration of civil partnerships and the built premises 
must be regularly available to the public for use for that purpose. However, there may be 
circumstances in which the proprietor or trustee of the premises has some flexibility in this regard and 
may, for instance, restrict use of the premises for civil partnership registrations to followers of the faith 
worshipped in the premises. 
 
4.6 
Applications for religious premises to be approved for civil partnerships must specify if the 
approval required is for the registration of civil partnerships between two people of the same sex, 
the opposite sex or civil partnerships generally (i.e. two people whether of the same or opposite 
sex). 
 
Other requirements before an application can be considered 
 
4.7 
In addition to the requirements in Part One, the proprietor or trustee {the applicant} must 
satisfy the authority that the necessary consent or consents from the relevant governing authority for 
the religious organisation(s) concerned have been provided to allow the application to be made. A 
standard application form that can be reproduced by authorities is contained at Annex I. 
 
4.8 
The 2005 Regulations set out who should provide these consents in respect of the types of 
premises listed in Schedule A1 to the Regulations, Annex G to this document. So, for example if an 
application is made in respect of a church or chapel of the Church of England, the consent of the 

18 
 
General Synod must be provided. Where no consent is required (e.g. currently in the case of the 
Society of Friends) this is indicated in the Schedule. 
 
4.9 
Authorities should be aware that consents may be general or specific: a religious organisation 
may have consented generally to any of its religious premises seeking approval or it may consent on 
a case-by-case basis. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the correct consent is included; also 
specifying whether they are consenting to civil partnerships between two people of the same sex, 
the opposite sex or civil partnerships generally. This may for instance be in the form of a letter from 
the governing authority of the religious organisation. 
 
4.10 
Where an application is being made in respect of a type of religious premises not specified in 
Schedule A1, the applicant will need to provide the consent of the governing authority of the religious 
organisation for whose religious purposes the premises are used. The governing authority is the body 
that the members of that religious organisation recognise as competent to give consent. It is up to the 
applicant to ensure that the proper consents are obtained. Authorities should be aware that in some 
cases (e.g. independent churches) the governing authority may be the congregation or a committee 
of the congregation itself. 
 
4.11 
In some cases, governing authorities may have decided that their consent is not required for 
each premises. In such cases (and including where consent is not required as described in 4.6) the 
application must include a signed statement to this effect. 
 
Shared premises 
 
4.12 
The Regulations make specific provision in respect of religious premises that are shared under 
the Sharing of Church Buildings Act 1969 (the 1969 Act). In these cases, there is a formal sharing 
agreement and the consent of all the “sharing Churches” must be included with the application. The 
1969 Act also covers chapels in public places such as hospitals which may also be used by a number 
of different Churches. Again, the consents of all the Churches must be included. 
 
4.13 
Separately provision is also made for religious premises that are otherwise used by more than 
one religious organisation. Premises may for example be of one or more types described in Schedule 
A1 (Annex G) and/or used by one or more other religious organisations. Again, in these 
circumstances the consent of all the relevant governing authorities (and/or bodies specified in the 
Schedule) will be required. 
 
4.14 
The onus is entirely on the applicant to provide evidence that they have the necessary 
consents to make the application and where no consent is required, they will be required to complete 
a statement to this effect on the application form. Authorities will be able to check on the Registrar 
General’s official list of places of worship and other religious premises to determine the religious 
organisation that the premises is registered as belonging to. 
 
The application process 
 
4.15 
The processes are as described in Part One, with the additional requirement for the applicant 
to provide evidence to the authority that they have obtained the necessary consents described in 
paragraphs 4.7 to 4.14. Unlike with secular premises, where the authority is required to inspect the 
premises, in respect of religious premises it need not do so if it decides it is not necessary (this may 
be because for example the premises are already used for marriages). However, it is for individual 
authorities to determine whether or not inspection of particular premises is necessary. 
 
4.16 
Though the Regulations do not require the applicant to inform the congregation, or 
congregations of the premises that they intend to apply for the premises to be approved for civil 
partnership registrations, it is strongly advised as good practice that this approach be followed. Best 
practice would also be for applicants to take other steps such as making the application available for 

19 
 
public display in their premises. 
 
Objections 
 
4.17 
The processes are as described in Part One. It is not intended that authorities get involved in 
any disputes within religious organisations on individual applications for premises to be approved. The 
processes described in paragraphs 4.7 to 4.14, the use of a standard application and the 
recommendation for premises to consult with their congregation prior to the application are all 
intended to prevent authorities getting involved in any disputes. 
 
Granting approvals 
 
4.18 
The processes are the same as in Part One. The information contained in Annexes B and D 
should be attached to the approval. 
 
Expiry and renewal of approval 
 
4.19 
The processes are as described in Part One. 
 
Revocation 
 
4.20 
The processes are as described in Part One with the following additions: 
 
• 
The authority must revoke an approval if it is notified that the required consent, has or will be 
withdrawn; or 
 
• 
In respect of premises that did not previously require it, that consent is now or will be required. 
 
• 
An authority must revoke the approval immediately, to take effect on the day following which 
the notification has been received, or on the day on which consent will be withdrawn 
(whichever is later). 
 
Reviews 
 
4.21 
The processes are as described in Part One. Annex D together with Annex F contain the 
standard conditions to be attached to the approval. They cover such matters as the layout of the 
premises, the consumption of food or drink, that the proceedings (the civil partnership registration) 
must not be religious in nature and that public access to the proceedings must be allowed without 
charge. 
 
Register of approved premises 
 
4.22 
The processes are as described in Part One. 
 
Fees 
 
4.23 
The guidance is as described in Part One, with the additional consideration that where a 
minister of religion is designated as a civil partnership registrar, the authority will need to consider its 
position in relation to the costs of providing the civil partnership registrar to attend and the fee that it 
may therefore charge. 

20 
 
5. 
Part four – other guidance 
 
5.1 
This section provides some general guidance for members of the public who wish to 
solemnize a marriage or register a civil partnership on Approved Premises. The guidance focuses on 
the process, rather than matters such as who is able to marry or register a civil partnership. 
 
 
Guidance for those who wish to marry on Approved Premises 
 
5.2 
As soon as a couple have made provisional arrangements for their marriage on Approved 
Premises, they should be advised to contact the superintendent registrar for the district in which the 
premises are situated. This contact information should be available on the individual authority’s 
website. 
 
5.3 
Without the presence of this superintendent registrar and a registrar there can be no marriage 
and any arrangements for the use of the premises depend entirely on their availability. It is, therefore, 
essential that the couple make an advance booking with this superintendent registrar for their 
attendance at their proposed marriage as soon as a booking can be accepted. 
 
5.4 
Where a couple proposes to marry in the linked outdoor areas of the premises, the 
proposed location for the proceedings should be discussed in advance with the Approved 
Premises. The superintendent registrar must agree prior to the proceedings that the location where 
the proceedings take place is seemly and dignified. 
 
5.5 
The couple must give a notice of marriage to the superintendent registrar(s) of the district(s) in 
which they live. This notice must be given in person by each of the couple and is valid for twelve 
months. The couple should attend the register office(s) where they live as soon as notice can be 
given. There is a twenty-eight day waiting period after notice has been given before the marriage can 
take place. 
 
5.6 
If either party is subject to immigration control, there are additional procedures  as part of the 
notice of marriage process  which may result in the extension of the twenty-eight days mentioned 
above to seventy days. The local superintendent registrar can advise further on these procedures. 
 
5.7 
The couple should be warned that any arrangements made for a marriage to take place on 
the Approved Premises are dependent on: 
 
a) 
the attendance of the superintendent registrar and a registrar for the district in which the 
premises are situated; and, 
 
b) 
the issue of the marriage schedule by the superintendent registrar for the registration 
district where the premise is situated. 
 
 
5.8 
The marriage schedule will be retained by the superintendent registrar and it will be brought to 
the venue on the day of the event. 
5.9 
The couple should be advised that only a civil, non-religious ceremony can be permitted by the 
superintendent registrar. The content of the ceremony must be agreed in advance with the 
superintendent registrar who will be attending the ceremony. The superintendent registrar must also 
provide prior agreement that the location at which the proceedings are to be held are seemly and 
dignified.  
 
5.10 
Any rights of copyright for music, readings etc. permitted at the ceremony are a matter for the 

21 
 
couple and the holder of the approval. 
 
Guidance for those who wish to register a civil partnership on Approved Premises 
 
5.11 
As soon as a couple have made provisional arrangements for their civil partnership on 
Approved Premises they should be advised to contact the civil partnership registrar for the area in 
which the premises are situated. This contact information should be available on the individual 
authority’s website. 
 
5.12 
Without the presence of the civil partnership registrar there can be no civil partnership 
registration and any arrangements for the use of the premises depend entirely on their availability. It 
is, therefore, essential that the couple make an advance booking with the civil partnership registrar for 
their attendance at their proposed registration as soon as a booking can be accepted. 
 
5.13 
Where a couple proposes to register a civil partnership in the linked outdoor areas of the 
premises, the proposed location for the proceedings should be discussed in advance with the 
Approved Premises. The civil partnership registrar must agree , prior to the proceedings,  that the 
location at which the proceedings are to take place are seemly and dignified. 
 
 
5.14 
The couple must give a notice of civil partnership to an authorised person of the registration 
authority in which they live. This notice must be given in person by each of the couple and is valid for 
twelve months. The couple should  attend the register office(s) where they live as soon as notice can 
be given. There is a twenty-eight day waiting period after notice has been given before the civil 
partnership can take place. 
 
5.15 
If either party is subject to immigration control, there are additional  procedures  as part of the 
notice of civil partnership process, which may result in the extension of the twenty- eight days 
mentioned above to seventy days. The registration authority can advise further on this. 
 
5.16 
The couple should be warned that any arrangements made for a civil partnership to take place 
on the Approved Premises are dependent on: 
 
a) 
the attendance of the civil partnership registrar for the area in which the premises are 
situated; and, 
 
b) 
the issue of the civil partnership schedule by the civil partnership registrar for the 
registration authority for the area in which the premises are situated. 
 
5.17 
The civil partnership schedule will be retained by the civil partnership registrar and it will be 
brought  to the venue on the day of the event. 
 
5.18 
The couple should be advised that only a civil, non-religious registration can be permitted by 
the civil partnership registrar. The contents of any proceedings should be agreed in advance by the 
civil partnership registrar who will be attending the registration. If the parties wish to have a ceremony 
before or after the registration of their civil partnership, this should proceed as discussed and agreed 
with the civil partnership registrar  prior to registration. Where the registration is taking place on 
approved religious premises, the parties should discuss and agree how any religious ceremony can 
precede or follow the registration. The civil partnership registrar will not be acting as a civil partnership 
registrar during any such ceremony. Where the proceedings are to be held in linked outdoor areas, the 
civil partnership registrar must also provide prior agreement that the location at which the proceedings 
are to be held are seemly and dignified.  

22 
 
 
 
5.19 
Any rights of copyright for music, readings etc. permitted at the registration are a matter for the 
couple and the holder of the approval. 
 
Designation of civil partnership registrars 
 
5.20 
A civil partnership registrar is a person who is designated by an authority as a civil partnership 
registrar for its area. Under the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Regulations 1968 a 
minister of religion or authorised person is precluded from also acting as a registrar of marriages. 
There is no such restriction under civil partnership legislation although the designation of such persons 
will be for the purely secular role of civil partnership registrar. 
 
5.21 
The designation of civil partnership registrars is entirely a matter for individual authorities. Any 
minister of religion or authorised person for approved premises who wishes to be designated as a 
registrar in this capacity should approach their authority accordingly. 
 
5.22 
Authorities will need to have due regard to issues such as security in accessing computer 
systems and the requirement for the registration itself to be an entirely secular event when 
considering any designation but the fact that an individual is a minister of religion should not be an 
automatic bar against considering appointing them as civil partnership registrars. However, authorities 
may also expect a civil partnership registrar to attend and register civil partnerships elsewhere, 
including at secular locations. 
 
5.23 
If a minister of religion is acting as a civil partnership registrar for the registration of a civil 
partnership on religious premises, the registration may only proceed if the minister is leading the 
proceedings solely in the secular capacity as civil partnership registrar. No religious ceremony is 
allowed while the civil partnership registrar is acting in that capacity during the proceedings. On the 
day, any ceremony which takes place before or after the civil partnership registration should be clearly 
identified as such and be separate from the civil partnership registration. 

23 
 
Annex A 
 
Schedule 1 
 
Requirements for the grant of approval of premises that are not religious premises 
 
 
1. Having regard to their primary use, situation, construction and state of repair, the built premises 
must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings. 
 
2. The built premises must be regularly available to the public for use for— 
 
(a) the solemnization of marriages; or 
 
(b) the formation of civil partnerships. 
 
3. The built premises must have the benefit of such fire precautions as may reasonably be 
required by the authority, having consulted with the fire and rescue authority, and such other 
reasonable provision for the health and safety of persons employed in or visiting the built premises 
as the authority considers appropriate. 
4. The premises must not be— 
 
(a) religious premises; 
 
(b) premises where the built premises are a register office (1), but this paragraph does not apply 
to premises where a register office is situated in the built premises, provided that the room 
which is subject to approval is not the same room as the room which is the register office. 
5. The room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place in the built premises if approval 
is granted must be identifiable by description as a distinct part of the built premises. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) For the meaning of “register office” see the 2004 Act, section 6(3C). Section 6(3C) was inserted into the 2004 Act by 
paragraph 2(2) of the Schedule to the Civil Partnership (Amendments to Registration Provisions) Order (S.I. 2005/2000). 

24 
 
Annex B 
 
Schedule 1A 
 
Requirements for the grant of approval of religious premises 
 
 
 
1. Having regard to their primary use, situation, construction and state of repair, the built premises 
must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings. 
2. Except in so far as section 196 of, and paragraph 2 of Schedule 23 to, the Equality Act 20102 
may apply, the built premises must be regularly available to the public for the formation of civil 
partnerships. 
3. The built premises must have the benefit of such fire precautions as may reasonably be required 
by the authority, having consulted with the fire and rescue authority, and such other reasonable 
provision for the health and safety of the persons employed in or visiting the built premises as the 
authority considers appropriate. 
4. The room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place in the built premises if approval is 
granted must be identifiable by description as a distinct part of the built premises. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 2010 c. 15; section 196 and Schedule 23 make provision for general exceptions to the Act. Paragraph 2 provides 
exceptions in respect of organisations relating to religion or belief. 

24 
 
Annex C 
 
Schedule 2 
 
Conditions to be attached to grants of approval of premises that are not religious premises 
 
 
1. The holder of the approval must ensure that there is at all times an individual with responsibility 
for ensuring compliance with the conditions attached to the approval and those conditions set out 
in Schedule 2B (“the responsible person”) and that the responsible person’s occupation, seniority, 
position of responsibility in relation to the premises, or other factors (his “qualification”), indicate 
that he is in a position to ensure compliance with the conditions attached to the approval. 
2. The responsible person or, in his absence, an appropriately qualified deputy appointed by him, 
shall be available on the premises for a minimum of one hour prior to and throughout each of the 
proceedings. 
3. The holder must notify the authority— 
 
(a) of his name and address immediately upon him becoming the holder of an approval under 
regulation 7(2); and 
(b) of the name, address and qualification of the responsible person immediately upon the 
appointment of a new responsible person. 
4. The holder must notify the authority immediately of any change to any of the following— 
 
(a) the layout of the premises, as shown in the plan submitted with the approved application, or 
in the use of the premises; 
(b) the name or full postal address of the approved premises; 
 
(c) the description of the room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place; 
 
(d) the name or address of the holder of the approval; and 
 
(e) the name, address or qualification of the responsible person. 
 
5. The approved premises must be made available at all reasonable times for inspection by the 
authority. 
6. For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, a suitable notice stating that the 
premises have been approved for the proceedings and identifying and giving directions to the room 
in which the proceedings are to take place must be displayed at each public entrance to the built 
premises for one hour prior to and throughout the proceedings. 
7. – (1) For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, save as provided below, no 
food or drink may be sold or consumed in the room in which the proceedings take place for one 
hour prior to or during those proceedings. 

25 
 
(2) Non-alcoholic drinks may be consumed prior to the proceedings. 
 
8. All proceedings held in the built premises must take place in a room which was identified as one 
to be used for that purpose on the plan submitted with the approved application. 
9. For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, the room in which the proceedings 
are to take place must be separate from any other activity on the built premises at the time of the  
proceedings. 
10. The arrangements for and content of the proceedings must meet with the prior approval of the 
superintendent registrar of the district in which the approved premises are situated, or authority, as 
the case may be. 
11. —(1) Any proceedings conducted on approved premises shall not be religious in nature. 
 
(2) 
In particular, the proceedings shall not— 
 
(a) include extracts from an authorised religious marriage service or from sacred religious 
texts; 
 
(b) be led by a minister of religion or other religious leader; 
 
(c) involve a religious ritual or series of rituals; 
 
(d) include hymns or other religious chants; or, 
 
(e) include any form of worship. 
 
(3) 
But the proceedings may include readings, songs, or music that contain an incidental 
reference to a god or deity in an essentially non-religious context. 
(4) 
For this purpose, any material used by way of introduction to, in any interval between 
parts of, or by way of conclusion to the proceedings shall be treated as forming part of the 
proceedings. 
12. Public access to any proceedings in approved premises must be permitted without charge. 
 
13. Any reference to the approval of premises on any sign or notice, or on any stationery or 
publication, or within any advertisement may state that the premises have been approved by the 
authority as a venue for marriage in pursuance of section 26(1)(bb) of the 1949 Act *and the 
formation of civil partnerships under section 6(3A)(a) of the 2004 Act but shall not state or imply 
any recommendation of the premises or its facilities by the authority, the Registrar General or any 
of the officers or employees of either of  them. 
14. If a change of name to the approved premises occurs after the issue of the marriage or the 
civil partnership schedule but before the proceedings, the former name of the approved premises 
as recorded in the marriage or the civil partnership schedule shall remain valid for its duration for 
the purpose of the proceedings. 

26 
 
Annex D 
 
Schedule 2A 
 
Conditions to be attached to grants of approval of religious premises 
 
1. The holder of an approval must ensure that there is at all times an individual with responsibility 
for ensuring compliance with the conditions attached to the approval and those conditions set out 
in Schedule 2C (“the responsible person”) and that the responsible person’s occupation, seniority, 
position of responsibility in relation to the premises, or other factors (his or her “qualification”), 
indicate that he or she is in a position to ensure compliance with the conditions attached to the 
approval. 
2. The responsible person or, in the responsible person’s absence, an appropriately qualified 
deputy appointed by the responsible person, must be available on the premises for a minimum of 
one hour prior to and throughout the proceedings. 
3. The holder of an approval must notify the authority— 
(a) of his or her name and address immediately upon becoming the holder of an approval under 
regulation 7(2); and 
(b) of the name, address and qualification of the responsible person immediately upon the 
appointment of a new responsible person. 
4. The holder of an approval must notify the authority immediately of any change to any of the 
following— 
(a) the layout of the premises, as shown in the plan submitted with the approved application; 
(b) the name or full postal address of the approved premises; 
(c) the description of the room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place; 
(d) the name or address of the holder of the approval; and 
(e) the name, address or qualification of the responsible person. 
5. The holder of an approval must notify the authority immediately if the premises cease to be 
religious premises within the meaning of regulation 5(1B). 
6. The holder of an approval must notify the authority immediately if a sharing Church withdraws 
from a sharing agreement or if a Church that uses a shared building ceases to do so. 
7. The holder of an approval must notify the authority immediately if a required consent has been 
or is going to be withdrawn and the date on which it was or is to be withdrawn. 
8. Where consent was not previously required, the holder of an approval must notify the authority 
immediately if consent is now or will be required and the date from which it was or will be required. 
9. The approved premises must be made available at all reasonable times for inspection by the 
authority. 
10. For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, a suitable notice stating that the 
premises have been approved for the proceedings and identifying and giving directions to the room 
in which the proceedings are to take place must be displayed at each public entrance to the built 
premises for one hour prior to and throughout the proceedings. 
11. —(1) For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, save as provided below, no 
food or drink may be sold or consumed in the room in which the proceedings take place for one 
hour prior to or during those proceedings. 
(2) These are the exceptions to the prohibition above— 

27 
 
(a) the consumption of food or drink as a part of any religious ceremony that takes place 
prior to the proceedings; 
(b) the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks prior to the proceedings. 
12. All proceedings held in the built premises must take place in a room which was identified as 
one to be used for that purpose on the plan submitted with the approved application. 
13. For the purposes of proceedings held in the built premises, the room in which the proceedings 
are to take place must be separate from any other activity on the premises at the time of the 
proceedings. 
14. The arrangements for and content of the proceedings must meet with the prior approval of the 
authority. 
15. —(1) The proceedings conducted on the approved premises may not be religious in nature. 
(2) In particular, the proceedings may not— 
(a) include extracts from an authorised religious marriage service or from sacred 
religious texts; 
(b) be led by a minister of religion or other religious leader (unless that person is also a 
civil partnership registrar and is leading the proceedings solely in that capacity); 
(c) involve a religious ritual or series of rituals; 
(d) include hymns or other religious chants; or 
(e) include any form of worship. 
(3) But the proceedings may include readings, songs, or music containing an incidental 
reference to a god or deity in an essentially non-religious context. 
16. Public access to any proceedings in approved premises must be permitted without charge. 
17. Any reference to the approval of premises on any sign or notice, or on any stationery or 
publication, or within any advertisement may state that the premises have been approved by the 
authority as a venue for the formation of civil partnerships under section 6(3A)(a) of the 2004 Act 
but must not state or imply any recommendation of the premises or its facilities by the authority, the 
Registrar General or any of the officers or employees or either of them. 
 
18. If a change of name to the approved premises occurs after the issue of the civil partnership 
document but before the proceedings, the former name of the approved premises as recorded in 
the civil partnership document remains valid for the purposes of the proceedings. 
 
 
 
 
 

28 
 
Annex E 
 
Schedule 2B - Regulation 6(1)(a) 
CONDITIONS TO BE ATTACHED TO GRANTS OF APPROVAL OF PREMISES WHICH ARE 
NOT RELIGIOUS PREMISES RELATING TO PROCEEDINGS HELD IN LINKED OUTDOOR 
AREAS 
1. For the purposes of proceedings held in the linked outdoor areas, prior confirmation must be 
secured from the superintendent registrar of the district in which the approved premises are 
situated, or the authority, as the case may be, that in their opinion, having regard to the primary 
use, situation, construction and state of repair, the proceedings will take place in a seemly and 
dignified location within the linked outdoor areas. 
2. The location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings take place must be 
identifiable by directions which are capable of being stated in a notice under paragraph 4 to 
enable the public to access the location. 
3.— (1) For the purposes of proceedings held within the linked outdoor areas, save as provided 
below, no food or drink may be sold to or permitted to be consumed by persons attending the 
proceedings— 
(a) when gathering for the purposes of the proceedings; or 
(b) during the proceedings. 
(2) Non-alcoholic drinks may be permitted to be consumed prior to the proceedings. 
4. For the purposes of proceedings held within the linked outdoor areas, a suitable notice 
stating— 
(a) that the premises have been approved for the proceedings;  
(b) the description of the location within the linked outdoor areas at which the 
proceedings are to take place; and  
(c) directions to the location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings are 
to take place;  
must be displayed at each public entrance to the premises and the built premises for one 
hour prior to and throughout the proceedings. 
 
 
 
 

29 
 
Annex F 
 
Schedule 2C - Regulation 6(1)(aa) 
CONDITIONS TO BE ATTACHED TO GRANTS OF APPROVAL OF RELIGIOUS PREMISES 
RELATING TO PROCEEDINGS HELD IN LINKED OUTDOOR AREAS 
1. For the purposes of proceedings held in the linked outdoor areas, prior confirmation must be 
secured from the authority that in their opinion, having regard to the primary use, situation, 
construction and state of repair, the proceedings will take place in a seemly and dignified location 
within the linked outdoor areas. 
2. The location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings take place must be 
identifiable by directions which are capable of being stated in a notice under paragraph 4 to 
enable the public to access the location. 
3.—(1) For the purposes of proceedings held within the linked outdoor areas, save as provided 
below, no food or drink may be sold to or permitted to be consumed by persons attending the 
proceedings— 
(a) when gathering for the purposes of the proceedings; or 
(b) during the proceedings. 
(2) These are the exceptions to the prohibition above— 
(a) the consumption of food or drink as a part of any religious ceremony that takes place prior 
to the proceedings; 
(b) the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks prior to the proceedings. 
4. For the purposes of proceedings held within the linked outdoor areas, a suitable notice 
stating— 
(a) that the premises have been approved for the proceedings;  
(b) the description of the location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings are 
to take place; and  
(c) directions to the location within the linked outdoor areas at which the proceedings are to 
take place;  
must be displayed at each public entrance to the premises and the built premises for one hour 
prior to and throughout the proceedings. 
 
 

30 
 
Annex G 
 
Schedule A1 
 
Persons who must consent to an application for approval of religious premises 
Table
Description of religious premises 
Person or description of 
person who must consent to 
Consent not required 
Place of meeting for religious 
worship of the Roman Catholic 
Church 
General Secretary of the 
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of 
England and Wales 
Church or chapel of the Church of 
England 
General Synod 
Church or chapel of the Church in 
Wales 
Governing Body of the Church 
in Wales 
Place of meeting for religious 
worship of the Methodist Church 
Conference of the Methodist 
Church 
Place of meeting for religious 
worship of the United Reformed 
Church 
General Assembly of the United 
Reformed Church 
Place of meeting for members of the 
Society of Friends 
Consent not required 

31 
 
Annex H 
 
Draft application form and notes – secular premises 
 
Application form for premises to be approved as a venue for marriages in pursuance of section 
26(1)(bb) of the Marriage Act 1949 and civil partnerships in pursuance of section 6(3A)(a) of the Civil 
Partnership Act 2004. 
 
This application must be made by the proprietor or a trustee of the premises. If successful, the 
applicant will be the holder of the approval. When completed, it should be forwarded to the Proper 
Officer for Registration Matters at ........................................................................................................ , 
together with the appropriate fee payable to.................................................. 
 
1. 
I/[ ] apply[applies] for the premises named at item 2 overleaf to be approved for the 
solemnization of marriages and the registration of civil partnerships. 
 
2. 
I attach 3 copies of a plan of the premises showing all the room(s) in which it is intended that 
marriages or civil partnerships will take place. 
 
3. 
I understand that- 
 
a) the premises will be inspected for suitability before approval is granted and, if this application is 
successful, may be subject to subsequent inspection; 
 
b) public notice of the application will be given by advertisement in a newspaper with a period of three 
weeks for objections; and/or the notice will appear on the authority’s website for the same period and 
that the authority may also decide to publish it in other ways if it considers it necessary to do so; 
 
c) approval, if granted, will be for a period determined by the authority and will be subject to 
revocation. It will be for no less than three years; and 
 
d) the authority will need to be satisfied that appropriate health and safety provision and fire safety is 
in place. 
 
4. 
I declare that- 
 
a) I have read and understood the information contained in this form and Annexes {A, C and E to this 
guidance}; 
 
b) the premises are not religious premises; 
 
c) the built premises are not a register office (or, where a register office is situated in the premises that 
is not the room that is the subject of this application); and 
 
d) I have consulted the planning authority as to whether planning consent is required and attach 
evidence that it is content that the built premises may be used for marriages and civil partnerships. 
 
5. 
I further declare that if approval is granted- 
 
a) subject to any exemptions in the Equality Act 2010 (see paragraphs 2.17 - 2.21 of this guidance) 
the premises will be regularly available for public use for the solemnization of marriages and the 
registration of civil partnerships; and 

32 
 
b) I will comply with both the standard conditions {Annex C together with Annex E of this guidance} 
and any further conditions that the authority considers reasonable1 that are attached to the approval. 
 
 
1. Full names and private addresses of 
applicant. If the application is made by a 
limited company (or other incorporated 
business) please give the address of the 
registered office and where different state 
also the main trading address of the 
company. 
2. Name, postal address and telephone 
number of the premises which are the 
subject of this application. 
3. Please describe the nature of the 
premises referred to in question 2 (e.g. 
hotel, stately home, civic accommodation) 
and the primary and other uses to which 
they are regularly put. 
4. Is the person or company named in reply 
to question 1 the occupier of the premises? 
5. If the answer to question 4 is 'No' and 
there is another occupier, please give their 
name(s) and address(es) 
6. Please state here the maximum number 
of people permitted by the premises’ fire risk 
assessment to occupy each room in which 
the proceedings are intended to be held. 
7. Do the premises currently have the benefit 
of any licence issued under the Licensing 
Act 2003 which may be relevant to this 
application (for the provision of regulated 
entertainment). If so please attach a copy. 
Signature of applicant: 
Date: 
Interest in the premises: 
If applying on behalf of a company or other incorporated business please state position in company 
Address for correspondence, contact telephone number and email address: 
 
 
1 An authority may attach such further conditions to an approval as it considers reasonable in order to ensure that the 
facilities provided at the premises are suitable and that proceedings on the premises do not give rise to a nuisance of any 
kind 

33 
 
Notes on the requirements for an approval to be granted {An authority may choose to include  
this with any application form} 
 
The requirements for approved premises are established by the Marriage and Civil Partnerships 
(Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 and Amendment Regulations  (referred to in these notes 
as the Regulations). It is these that the authority must apply when considering an application for 
approval. 
 
The non-returnable fee for this application is £ and must be submitted with the application to the 
Proper Officer for Registration Matters at ............................................ 
 
The application must be made by the proprietor or trustee of the premises. When made on behalf of a 
limited company, or other incorporated business there should be a separate statement of the names 
and addresses of all the directors. 
 
The built premises must fulfil the following standard requirements in the Regulations: 
 
1. 
Having regard to their primary use, situation, construction and state of repair, the built premises 
must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings. 
 
2. 
Subject to any exemptions in the Equality Act 2010 (see paragraphs 2.21 - 2.25 of this 
guidance), the built premises must be regularly available to the public for use for the solemnization of 
marriages and the registration (formation) of civil partnerships. 
 
3. 
The built premises must have the benefit of such fire precautions as may reasonably be 
required by the authority, having consulted with the fire and rescue authority, and such other 
reasonable provision for the health and safety of persons employed in or visiting the built premises as 
the authority considers appropriate. 
 
4. 
The built premises must not be a register office, but this paragraph does not apply to premises 
where the built premises are a register office is situated in the built premises provided that the room 
which is subject to approval is not the same room as the room which is the register office. 
 
5. 
The room or rooms in which the proceedings (marriage or civil partnership) will be held in the 
built premises, if approval is granted, must be identifiable by description as a distinct part of the built 
premises. 
 
The premises must also fulfil the authority’s following requirements: 
 
In considering the suitability of built premises as a venue, the authority will have due regard to the 
following guidance from the Registrar General: 
 
1. 
The law relating to “approved premises” is intended to allow proceedings to take place 
regularly in hotels, stately homes, civic halls, religious premises and similar built premises without 
compromising the solemnity of the occasion. 
 
2. 
Built premises are defined in the Regulations as a permanently immovable structure 
comprising at least a room, or any boat or other vessel which is permanently moored. “Linked outdoor 
areas” means any areas within the boundary of the land of which the built premises form part and 
which may be used in common with the built premises. “Premises” as now amended are defined as 
built premises together with linked outdoor areas. Any premises outside this definition, such as most 
forms of transport, will not be eligible for approval.  
 
 

34 
 
3. 
The built premises must be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings, which must 
take place in an identifiable and distinct part of those built premises. The primary use of a building 
would render it unsuitable if that use would demean any proceedings or bring them into disrepute. 
 
4. 
The built premises must not be any part of a register office on the plan submitted by the 
authority and approved by the Registrar General under the Registration Service Act 1953. Any rooms 
in the same premises as the register office that aren’t on this plan, e.g. a council chamber in the same 
Town Hall, can be approved but a room in a register office cannot be approved. However, an authority 
can set its fee for attending a marriage or civil partnership on approved premises at the same level as 
the prescribed fee for a marriage or civil partnership in a register office. 
 
5. 
The requirement that the built premises must be regularly available for use by the public  
precludes a private house from being approved. 

35 
 
Annex I 
 
Draft application form and notes for religious premises 
 
Application form for premises to be approved as a venue for civil partnerships in pursuance of section 
6A(3C) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004. 
 
This application must be made by the proprietor or a trustee of the premises. If successful, the 
applicant will be the holder of the approval. When completed, it should be forwarded to the Proper 
Officer for Registration Matters at ............................................................................................... , 
together with the appropriate fee payable to.................................................. 
 
1. 
I/[ ] apply [applies] for the premises named at item 2 overleaf, to be approved for registration: 
(tick one box only) 
 
In relation to civil partnerships generally, 
 
(i.e. formed by two people of the same or opposite sex); or 
 
Only in relation to civil partnerships formed by two people of the same sex; or 
 
 
Only in relation to civil partnerships formed by two people of the opposite sex. 
 
. 
 
2. 
I attach 3 copies of a plan of the premises showing all the room(s) in which it is intended that 
civil partnerships will take place within the built premises. 
 
3. 
I understand that- 
 
a) the built premises may be inspected for suitability before approval is granted and, if this application 
is successful, may be subject to subsequent inspection; 
 
b) public notice of the application will be given by advertisement in a newspaper with a period of three 
weeks for objections; and/or the notice will appear on the authority’s website for the same period and 
that the authority may also decide to publish it in other ways if it considers it necessary to do so. 
 
c) approval, if granted, will be for a period determined by the authority and will be subject to 
revocation. It will be for no less than three years, and 
 
d) the authority will need to be satisfied that appropriate health and safety provision and fire safety is 
in place. 
 
4 
I 
………………………………….[Name]………………………………………[Position 
– 
Trustee/Proprietor] {complete the appropriate section below} 
 
(a) attach the written consent of……………………………………………………………………. 
………………………………………………………………………….. (Name and address of the person specified or governing 
authority), to the application for approval of the religious premises for either civil partnerships 
generally, or civil partnerships formed by two people of the same sex; or formed by two people of the 
opposite sex (the consent must specify which) or 
 
(b) confirm that consent is not required. 
 
(c) if the built premises are shared with other faith groups or Churches then ensure that sections 

36 
 
(d) and (e) are completed (as many times as necessary) as appropriate below:- 
 
(d) attach the written consent of……………………………………………………… 
…………………………………………………………………………………... .. 
(Name and address of 
the person specified or governing authority), or 
 
(e) confirm that no consent is required. 
 
Where you have stated that consent is not required (in respect of one or more users) please 
complete the declaration below: 
The statement[s] in paragraph (b) [insert other paragraphs as 
appropriate] is [are] true to the best of my knowledge and belief. 
 
 
............................ 
Signed: applicant 
 
5. 
I declare that - 
 
a) I have read and understood the information contained in this form and Annexes {B, D and F to 
this guidance}; 
 
b) the built premises are not a register office (or, where a register office is situated in the premises 
that is not the room that is the subject of this application); 
 
c) I have consulted the planning authority as to whether planning consent is required and attach, 
where it is required, that it is content that the built premises may be used for civil partnerships. 
 
6. 
I further declare that, if approval is granted, I will comply with the standard conditions {Annex D 
together with Annex F to this guidance} and any local conditions that the authority considers 
reasonable2 that are attached to the approval. 
 
1 Full names and private addresses of 
applicant. If the application is made by a 
limited company (or other incorporated 
business) please give the address of the 
registered office and where different state 
also the main trading address of the 
Company 
2. Name, postal address and telephone 
number of the premises which are the 
subject of this application. 
3. If the premises are certified for religious 
worship under the Places of Worship 
Registration Act 1855 or registered for the 
solemnisation of marriages under the 
Marriage Act 1949, then please quote the 
certification/registration number. 
 
 
 
2 An authority may attach such further conditions to an approval as it considers reasonable in order to ensure that the 
facilities provided at the premises are suitable and that proceedings on the premises do not give rise to a nuisance of any 
kind 

37 
 
4. Please describe the nature of the built 
premises at question 2 (e.g. Parish Church, 
Synagogue) and the primary and other uses 
to which it is regularly put. 
5. If the built premises are shared with other 
faith groups, then please state the details of 
any sharing arrangements, either formal or 
informal. 
6. Is the person or company named in reply 
to question 1 the trustee/proprietor of the 
premises? 
7. If the answer to question 6 above is 'No' 
and there is another person qualified as 
trustee or proprietor, please give their 
name(s) and address(es) 
8. Please state here the maximum number 
of people permitted to occupy each room in 
which the proceedings are intended to be 
held, under your fire risk assessment. 
9. Do the built premises currently have the 
benefit of any licence issued under the 
Licensing Act 2003 which may be relevant 
to this application (for the provision of 
regulated entertainment). If so please attach 
a copy. 
 
Signature of applicant: 
Date: 
Interest in the premises: 
Address for correspondence, contact telephone number and email address. 
 
Notes on the requirements before an approval can be granted {An authority 
may choose to include this with any application form} 
 
The requirements for approved premises are established by the Marriages and Civil Partnerships 
(Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 and Amendment Regulations. It is these that the authority 
must apply when considering an application for approval. 
 
The non-returnable fee for this application is £ and must be submitted with the application to the 
proper officer for Registration Matters at ............................................ 
 
The application must be made by the proprietor or trustee of the premises. When made on behalf of a 
limited company, or other incorporated business there should be a separate statement of the names 
and addresses of all the directors. 
 
The built premises must fulfil the following standard requirements in the Regulations: 
 
1. 
Having regard to their primary use, situation, construction and state of repair, the built premises 
must, in the opinion of the authority, be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings. 

38 
 
2. 
The built premises must be regularly available to the public for the formation of civil partnerships3. 
 
3. 
The built premises must have the benefit of such fire precautions as may reasonably be 
required by the authority, having consulted with the fire and rescue authority, and such other 
reasonable provision for the health and safety of persons employed in or visiting the built premises as 
the authority considers appropriate. 
 
4. 
The room or rooms within the built premises in which the proceedings are to take place if 
approval is granted must be identifiable by description as a distinct part of the built premises. 
 
The premises must also fulfil the following requirements set by the authority: 
 
In considering the suitability of built premises as a venue, the authority will have due regard to 
the following guidance from the Registrar General: 
 
1. 
The laws relating to “approved premises” are intended to allow proceedings to take place 
regularly in hotels, stately homes, civic halls, similar built premises and religious premises without 
compromising the solemnity of the occasion. 
 
2. 
Built premises are defined in the Regulations as a permanently immovable structure comprising 
at least a room, or any boat or other vessel which is permanently moored. “Linked outdoor areas” 
means “any areas within the boundary of the land of which the built premises form part, which are not 
built premises and which may be used in common with the built premises”.. “Premises” as now 
amended are defined as built premises together with linked outdoor areas. Any premises outside this 
definition, such as most forms of transport, will not be eligible for approval. 
 
 
3. 
Religious premises are: 
 
• 
Built premises which are used solely or mainly for religious premises; or 
• 
Have been so used and have not subsequently been used solely or mainly for other 
purposes. 
 
They must also satisfy the requirements for premises described in paragraph 2 above. For the 
purposes of religious premises, only the following types of built premises may be approved under the 
Regulations: 
(a) 
a church or chapel of the Church of England; 
(b) 
a church or chapel of the Church in Wales; 
(c) 
a place of meeting for religious worship included in the list of certified places maintained by 
the Registrar General under section 7 of the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855; 
(d) 
a place of meeting for members of the Society of Friends; or 
(e) 
a Jewish synagogue. 
 
4. 
The Regulations make specific provision in respect of built premises that are shared. These 
may be shared Churches under the Sharing of Church Buildings Act 1969 (the 1969 Act) or 
chapels in places such as hospitals and universities that are also used by two or more Churches 
under the 1969 Act. Provision is also made where less formal sharing arrangements may exist but 
where built premises are nevertheless used for the religious purposes of more than one religious 
organisation or faith group. In all cases the consent of all relevant governing authorities will be 
required. 
 

39 
 
The premises must be a seemly and dignified venue for the proceedings, which must take place in an 
identifiable and distinct part of those premises. The primary use of a building would render it unsuitable if 
that use could demean proceedings or bring them into disrepute. 
 
5. 
The definition of religious premises in 3. (above) would prohibit a private house from being 
approved. Public access to the premises must be provided during the civil partnership registration. 
 
Other Notes: 
 
1. 
When you have submitted the application to the local authority it would be good practice to 
ensure that a copy of application form is displayed on the premises until the application has been 
determined. 
 
2. 
If as a result of the display of this form, it is brought to your attention that an individual or 
group wishes to object to the proposed use of the building, then you should refer that person/group 
to your local authority. 
 
3. 
If you have any questions about complying with the conditions of an approval then please 
contact your local authority for further advice. 
 
 
 
3 Holders of approvals for religious premises may decide to limit the use of those premises to persons of the same faith. 
Such restrictions will be permissible and acceptable for the purposes of approving the premises in so far as they do not 
discriminate on grounds of religion or belief within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010 

40 
 
Annex J 
 
Notification of approval for secular premises 
 
Notification of approval of premises as a venue for marriages in pursuance of section 26(1)(bb) 
of the Marriage Act 1949 and as a venue for civil partnerships in pursuance of section 6(3A)(a) 
of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 
 
Name of authority 
has granted approval for the premises shown below to be used for the solemnization of marriages 
*and the registration of civil partnerships under the provisions of section26(1)(bb)of the Marriage Act 
1949 and section 6(3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004. 
 
Name and full postal ....................................................................................... 
address of the approved     ....................................................................................... 
premises. 
....................................................................................... 
....................................................................................... 
Name and full postal ....................................................................................... 
address of the holder of ....................................................................................... 
this approval. 
....................................................................................... 
....................................................................................... 
 
 
Marriages in the presence of a superintendent registrar and registrar, and civil partnerships in the 
presence of a civil partnership registrar, may take place in the room(s) shown on the plan of the 
built premises, and at locations within the boundaries of any linked outdoor areas also shown on 
the plan, subject to the conditions attached to this approval {Annexes A, C and E to this guidance}. 
 
This grant of approval will continue, subject to revocation, until the .................. day of 
...................................... 
 
Application for a renewal of approval may be made on or after ........................ 
 
The holder of this approval must now notify the authority of the name, qualification and full postal 
address of the responsible person. This person must be qualified in accordance with the Regulations 
(see Annex C, Condition 1). If at any time a new responsible person is appointed the holder must 
immediately notify the authority of his or her details as above. 
 
This approval is granted by Name of authority 
on this.....................day of............................... 
 
To be accompanied by: 
 
A copy of the plan submitted with the application marked with the room(s) which have been approved 
(to be attached by the local authority). 
Annex A 
a copy of the requirements for the grant of approval 
Annex C&E 
a copy of the standard and any further conditions. 

41 
 
Annex K 
 
Notification of approval for religious premises 
 
Notification of approval of religious premises as a venue for civil partnerships  in 
pursuance of section 6(3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 
 
Name of authority 
Has granted approval for the premises shown below to be used for the registration of civil 
partnerships generally; in relation to civil partnerships formed by two people of the same sex; or civil 
partnerships formed by two persons of the opposite sex (insert as appropriate) under the provisions of 
sections 6(3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004. 
 
Name and full postal ....................................................................................... 
address of the approved 
....................................................................................... 
premises. 
....................................................................................... 
....................................................................................... 
Name and full postal ....................................................................................... 
address of the holder of 
....................................................................................... 
this approval. 
....................................................................................... 
....................................................................................... 
 
Civil partnerships in the presence of a civil partnership registrar may take place in the room(s) shown 
on the plan of the built premises, and at locations within the boundaries of any linked outdoor areas 
also shown on the plan, subject to the conditions attaching to this approval {Annexes B, D and F of 
this guidance}. 
 
This grant of approval will continue, subject to revocation, until the .................. day of 
...................................... 
 
Application for a renewal of approval may be made on or after ........................ 
 
The holder of this approval must now notify the authority of the name, qualification and full postal 
address of the responsible person. This person must be qualified in accordance with the Regulations 
(see Annex D, Condition 1). [see above] 
 
This approval is granted by Name of authority 
on this.....................day of............................... 
 
To be accompanied by: 
 
A copy of the plan submitted with the application marked with the room(s) which have been approved 
(to be attached by the local authority). 
Annex B 
a copy of the requirements for the grant of approval 
Annex D&F 
a copy of the standard and any local conditions.