Premises that wish to be used as a venue for civil marriages and civil partnerships must be approved by the local authority in whose area they are situated.
An application for an approval must be made by the proprietor or trustee of the premises. When the application is made on behalf of a limited company or partnership, a separate statement of the names and addresses of all the directors/partners must be provided.
The premises must be a permanently immovable structure comprising at least a room, or any boat or other vessel which is permanently moored.
Before an approval can be granted the premises must fulfil the requirements set out in the relevant legislation. Full details of these are provided in the guidance notes that accompany the application form.
Applications must be sent to us for premises situated in the Oldham area.
Summary of criteria for the approval of premises
- The application must be made by the proprietor or trustee of the premises.
- The premises must be a seemly and dignified venue for the ceremony.
- The premises must be regularly available to the public for use for the solemnisation of marriages; or the formation of civil partnerships.
- The premises must have the benefit of such fire precautions as we reasonably require, having consulted the Fire Authority, and such other reasonable health and safety of persons employed in or visiting the premises as we consider appropriate.
- The room or rooms in which the proceedings are to take place must be identifiable by description as a distinct part of the premises.
Fees
Apply
Regulations regarding approving premises for civil marriages
GOV.UK provides a summary of the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005 on their website.
How are applications evaluated
Applications must be on the correct form and accompanied by:
- The correct fee
- A plan of the premises which must be clear and legible in all material respects and
- Such other information we may require to determine if the premises meets the eligibility criteria above.
We must grant the application where no objections have been received. However, a hearing must be held if any objections are made in respect of the application.
Once your application has been granted, we will send you a copy of the approval and the standard conditions to be attached. We may also attach further conditions as we consider reasonable to ensure the facilities provided at the premises are suitable.
Refused applications
Please contact us in the first instance.
You may request a review if the approval has been refused, or additional conditions have been imposed other than the standard conditions.
You may request a review by writing to us using the details supplied at the bottom of the page.
We will immediately arrange for a review of the decision by the appropriate sub-committee. We will give notice in writing of our decision on review, stating our reasons for that decision and the date from which it takes effect.