Since changes in the law in April 1995 weddings at licensed wedding venues have been officially known as civil ceremonies and no religious content is allowed during the ceremony. This includes any music with religious references such as heaven or angels etc.
This change in the law has meant there have been some fantastic wedding venues are now available to couples including stately homes, castles, and country houses. There are now over 3,000 premises approved as wedding venues throughout England and Wales. As the wedding market increases, as do the number of approved wedding venues as they appear more romantic and attractive when compared with registry offices.
However, wedding venues still face many restrictions on their premises. Examples being that licences are not granted to private residences or buildings – there needs to be free public access. This example was enforced when Prince Charles wanted to use Windsor Castle as his wedding venue. Also, open spaces such as parks and sports fields, anywhere that has a licensed bar area in the same room, mobile premises such as boats or aeroplanes are also not allowed.
The wedding venue is also not allowed to have any religious connections, whether past or present.
The actual ceremony room may not be allowed to be used for any other purpose whilst the ceremony is taking place.
Contrary to popular belief, outdoor ceremonies are not permitted at wedding venues anywhere in the UK.
For a full list of licensed wedding venues, contact the General Register Office.
There are obviously legal requirements for couples wished to get married at approved wedding venues in England and Wales. You’ll need to arrange for a superintendent registrar’s attendance to conduct and record the marriage. Bookings are made locally dependent on where you live.
In addition to the statutory declaratory and contracting words you’ll receive from the registrar, you can also choose your own vows, allow non-religious readings and music, and have the ceremony recorded by a videographer and photographer
Approved wedding venues offer couples greater flexibility with their wedding day timetable, civil marriages can be held any time between 8am and 6pm 7 days of the week, including public holidays.
Wedding venues also offer the great advantage of being able to hold the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception at the same place. This is easier for your wedding guests, and reduces costs of moving from one building to another. Standard register offices only hold seating for around a few dozen people.
Of course, your wedding planning has no boundaries of you’re getting married in a wedding venue, should you choose a relaxed wedding, or even fancy dress, no one will mind – the possibilities for your wedding are endless.
Costs of hiring a wedding venue differ greatly, as we mentioned earlier there are so many wonderful buildings like castles or stately homes, make sure you are fully aware of what you are paying for when you book your wedding venue. There may be separate charges for the ceremony, and then the reception – each wedding venue will be different, and prices can change dependent on the day of the week that you marry.
If you’ve decided to get married at an approved wedding venue, the first step is to contact them and make a provisional booking. With your date booked you can contact your local district superintendent and start making arrangements for your marriage.
After that, the fun of wedding planning will begin, so ensure you allow plenty of time to achieve your dream wedding without becoming stressed !
Tags: Wedding Venues
