In England and Wales, for a non-religious marriage or civil partnership to be legally recognised, it must be held in a venue with a valid ceremony licence in place.
If a non-religious marriage or civil partnership takes place in an unlicensed venue, it is not legally valid.
We, Peterborough City Council, are the authority responsible for issuing ceremony licences to venues in Peterborough.
How long a licence remains valid for
Once issued, a ceremony venue licence remains valid for three years before it expires. A venue has the option to renew their licence before it expires.
Which venues can apply for a licence
Licensed venues can include hotels, stately homes, civic halls, barns and other similar premises.
You cannot get a licence for your home or garden for a one-off ceremony, unless you make it available for the public to use during the term of the three-year licence.
Who can apply for a licence for the venue
The owner or trustee of the venue must make the application for the licence.
How to become a licensed ceremony venue
If you are interested in applying for a ceremony venue licence, please contact us to discuss the process and what is involved. We can advise you on what paperwork you need to submit as part of your application.
As part of the application process, we will visit your venue for an inspection. We will also publish an approved premises notice on our website giving the public 21 days to comment on or object to your application. Liaison will take place with the relevant council departments and the local Fire Officer to ensure they have no objections to your venue's licence.
- Telephone: 01733 864646 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk
Read further information about the approval of premises for civil marriage and civil partnership (England and Wales) on the GOV.UK website.
Licence fees
The fee for applying to become a licensed ceremony venue is £3,300.
An optional pre-inspection visit by our staff for discussion is available for a one-off fee of £145.
If you require a replacement licence or changes to an existing licence, this costs a fee of £145.
All fees are non-refundable.
Current licensed ceremony venues in Peterborough
View a list of licensed ceremony venues in Peterborough.
Comment on a ceremony venue licence application or renewal
None at present.
Places of worship registered for marriage
Religious marriage ceremonies can take place in any church, chapel or other religious building which has been registered for worship and for solemnisation of marriages.
View the GOV.UK list of places of worship registered for marriage.
Places of worship that are not registered to hold ceremonies can apply by contacting Peterborough Register Office at peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk.