Leicestershire can offer ceremonies in our 6 Registration Offices plus 56 high quality, approved premises ranging from a Castle to beautiful old manor houses to contemporary hotels. Your choice of venue is as diverse as the County itself. A list of these venues can be located on the Approved Venues page.

Although we have these venues, we are always on the look out for more restaurants, hotels and prestigious buildings in Leicestershire. Do you own one? If so, why not consider licensing your premises for civil marriages and partnerships.

In Leicestershire, the County Council is responsible for the provision of Register Offices and is the licensing authority for approved venues for civil marriages and partnerships. The County Council is pleased to accept applications for an Approved Premises Licence in respect of venues which meet the required criteria.

Please use the links below to find out all the information regarding Applying for an Approved Premise Licence.

To what does the licence apply?

The licence will apply to named premises and will not be transferable between premises.

Within the approved premises an individual and identifiable room or rooms will be specified as the ceremonies room(s) where civil marriages may be solemnised and civil partnerships may be formed. Only rooms specified in the licence may be used for this purpose.

There is no limit to the number of rooms that may be specified in approved premises. It is recommended that all potential rooms should be included in the original application as additional rooms added at a later date will incur a further charge.

How long does a licence last?

A licence will normally run for 3 years less one day from the date of issue and will terminate at the end of that period unless renewed or revoked.

How do I apply for a licence or make further enquiries?

Applications must be made on the County Council's official application form (available by post) and be submitted to:

County Register Office
County Hall
Leicester Road
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RN

Applicants from other EU countries

Applications for a licence to use premises for civil marriage and civil partnership from other EU countries should be made by via the businesslink website.

When we have received your application we will acknowledge the receipt within 7 working days.

Please note that tacit approval does not apply to these applications.

Applications must be accompanied by:

A copy of a valid Fire Certificate (if applicable), or a copy of a valid fire risk assessment.
Provide documentary evidence that you have in force a public liability insurance to the minimum value of £5 million and the renewal date.
List of Directors (if appropriate).
1 copy of a plan (or plans) of the premises clearly identifying their location and the room(s) to be licensed. (Plans should be no larger than A3 size).

How much does it cost?

The cost of an Approved Premises licence includes the cost of inspection and issue of the licence itself, which remains valid for a period of 3 years less one day. Please note that this fee is a non refundable administrative fee.

If you require any changes to be made during the term of the licence you will be required to pay a further charge equivalent to the licence fee. You are therefore advised to withhold changes until the expiry of the current licence.

The fees for the Naming Ceremony can be located on the Registration Fees page.

Who may apply?

Applications must be made by the proprietor or a trustee of premises. When made on behalf of a limited company there should be a separate statement of the names and addresses of all the directors.