Premises for civil marriage and civil partnership approval
The approved venue system is essentially a licensing system under which premises may be approved by us permitting civil marriages and civil partnerships to be conducted on those premises by registrars.
We are responsible for issuing, renewal, monitoring and any revocation of the licence under the guidance of the registrar general's guidance to authorities, for the approval of premises as venues for:
- marriages under section 26(1)(bb) of the Marriage Act 1949 - GOV.UK
- civil partnership under section 6(3a)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 - GOV.UK
How to apply for an approved venue status
Before you apply, read this webpage and our local requirements (download below). If you have any queries, contact the Luton Register Office on the details below.
When applying for a venue you must ensure that the premises meet the following criteria:
- a permanent structure and not a temporary building
- never been used as a venue for religious marriages and/or worship
- available for both civil marriages and civil partnerships
- be a safe and accessible place for registrars and members of the public
You may require planning consent. Contact our Development Control service to inform them of your application to ensure you will not be contravening any planning restrictions if approval of the licence is granted.
Email: DevelopmentControl@luton.gov.uk
Phone: 01582 546317
A visit will take place and the premises will be inspected as part of the application process. You will be contacted to arrange a convenient time after your formal application is received.
You must advertise your application as a public notice in a paid local press allowing a period of 21 days for objections to be lodged. If no valid objections are received and the premises meet the current standard then approval will be issued. A licence is granted for a period of three years.
Cost
The current fee for a licence is £2,050.
An annual fee change takes effect in April.
Tacit consent
In England and Wales, a legally binding marriage or civil partnership can only take place in a building which is licensed as an approved venue for these functions.
Apply
To apply for a licence for approval of premises for civil marriage and civil partnership, complete an application on the government website.
Downloads
Contact
For more information, contact the Luton Register Office.
Email: registration@luton.gov.uk
Luton Register Office
6 George Street West
Luton
LU1 2BJ