Civil marriages and civil partnerships can take place in buildings other than a register office which have been approved for this purpose by local authorities.

Please refer to the List of Approved Premises or telephone the Register Office on 01793 521734 if you have any enquiries.

The law does not allow for civil marriages or civil partnerships to be held in the open air, in a tent or marquee, or in most forms of transport. Neither can a civil marriage or civil partnership take place in a building which has a past or present connection with any religion.

If you decide to hold your ceremony on approved premises, you will need to agree the date and time with both the premises owners (for example, the manager if it is a hotel) and the Superintendent Registrar of the district in which the premises are located. You can give notice and make a booking with the Register Office up to 12 months before your ceremony. Most Registration districts operate a provisional booking system. If you wish to book your wedding more than 12 months ahead, you would be advised to ring them as soon as you know when and where you wish to have your ceremony. This will make sure that a superintendent registrar and registrar are available for your wedding.

Once a definite date and time have been agreed you will have to visit the Register Office for the district in which you live to give notice.

The fees for marriages and civil partnerships at approved premises are set by local authorities to cover the costs involved. This is in addition to any fee charged by the owner or manager of the premises. The Superintendent Registrar for the district where the ceremony will take place can tell you the current fees.

See: Opening Times and Contact Details for the Superintendent Registrar in Swindon.