Guidance for those who wish to marry on approved premises
Marriage Act 1994
The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005
- As soon as a couple have made provisional arrangements for their marriage on approved premises they should be advised to contact the County Superintendent Registrar for the Leicestershire Registration District.
- Without the presence of the superintendent registrar and a registrar there can be no marriage and any arrangements for the use of the premises depend entirely on their availability. It is, therefore, essential that the couple make an advance booking with the County Superintendent Registrar for attendance at their proposed marriage as soon as a booking can be accepted. A fee for this attendance will be payable before the ceremony.
- The couple will also have to give a notice of marriage to the superintendent registrar(s) of the district(s) in which they live. This notice must be given in person by both parties but is valid for twelve months. The couple should, therefore, attend the register office where they live as soon as possible when notice can be given. There is a fifteen day waiting period after notice has been given before the marriage can take place.
- If either of the couple is subject to immigration control, there will be further procedures to take before notice of marriage can be given. The County Superintendent Registrar can advise further on these procedures.
- The couple should be warned that any arrangements made for a marriage to take place on the approved premises are dependent on:
a) the attendance of the superintendent registrar and a registrar for the district in which the premises are situated; and,
b) the issue of the authorities for marriage by the superintendent registrar(s) to whom notice of marriage was given.
- When notices have been given in a different registration district from the one where the marriage is taking place. the couple will have to collect the authorities before the ceremony and ensure that they are delivered to the registrar who is to attend the ceremony.
- The couple should be advised that only a civil, non-religious ceremony can be permitted by the superintendent registrar. The content of the ceremony must be agreed in advance with the superintendent registrar who will be attending the ceremony.
- Any rights of copyright for music, readings etc permitted at the ceremony are a matter for the couple and the holder of the approval.
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