Who can apply
If you manage or own a venue, you can apply for a licence to hold marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. Licensed venues, or 'approved venues', can include the building and the grounds of restaurants, public houses, hotels, stately homes and other similar venues.
Licensing a venue works as a partnership between Lincolnshire County Council and the venue. We support new and existing venues to ensure they are fully prepared to facilitate statutory ceremonies and provide updates on any changes to legalisation that may occur. A licence is valid for a three years period.
We offer the following ceremonies at approved premises:
- civil marriages
- civil partnerships
- renewal of vows
- naming ceremonies
Suitability criteria
- a licensed venue must be a permanent, immovable structure of at least one room, boat, or other vessel that is permanently moored. Ceremonies and formations may occur in the licensed rooms and linked outdoor areas.
- the venue must be in keeping with the solemnity and dignity of the marriage or civil partnership ceremony
- the venue should comply with disabled access requirements where possible. However, it is accepted that this may not always be possible given the building’s age, construction, and style.
- the premises must be regularly available for the solemnisation of civil marriages or the formation of civil partnerships
- the public must be allowed unrestricted access to witness the marriages or civil partnerships, and or make an objection to or during the ceremony. No charge may be made to any member of the public attending a ceremony
- the licence fee provides for one ceremony room. You can add additional rooms for a fee. There is no required minimum or maximum room or area size as this will vary between venues. The room should include a comfortable space where the couple and the registration officer will stand to conduct the ceremony.
- a separate room or area must be available to allow for the registrars to meet with the couple before the start of the ceremony. Where possible the preliminary room should be a quiet and confidential space.
Outside areas
- it is now legal for a couple to marry fully in an approved outside space. This area will need to fall within the boundary of the property with the licensed rooms, if you have a beautiful outdoor area that you would like to open for ceremonies, please include it on your floor plan. Do not include on your list of rooms to be licensed, or you will incur a charge.
- there must be alternative venue arrangements if an outside ceremony needs to be moved due to weather etc. We always advise you to prepare a room should you have to move the celebration indoors.
Licensed venues are expected to
- abide by conditions and requirements set by the local authority
- show integrity and commitment in dealing with couples wishing to hold a ceremony at their venue
- be fair, responsive, and courteous in the delivery of a quality service
- be professional and have well informed employees who take pride in what they do
- notify couples of any limitations or conditions applying to the venue in respect of civil marriage, civil partnership and other ceremonies