The granting of Marriage Venue licences, and the provision of choice where people may be married, is a partnership arrangement between the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the premises. Each is promoting being married in Waltham Forest and providing bride and grooms with a range of unique venues in which to celebrate their marriage day.
The application procedure for a Licence is very straightforward and advice is available throughout the process. A pre – inspection meeting is available to all prospective venues and this enables advice and assistance to be given prior to the formal application being submitted.
Marriage Venues come in all different shapes and sizes and do not need to be part of the established ‘wedding business’ or able to offer reception facilities; there are a number of Marriage Venues that concentrate on the ceremony only. Some premises may worry about the commitment that they have to give to be ‘regularly’ available – the regularity of weddings is completely at the discretion of the venue.
A Marriage Venue must be a permanent structure comprising of at least one room and must provide a ‘seemly and dignified’ place where civil marriages may be celebrated and solemnised. This does not include temporary structures such as marquees that may be moved.
The premises must also have no recent or continuing connection with any religion, religious practice or religious persuasion that would be incompatible with it’s use as a Marriage Venue.
There must be at least one room, which is registered as the ‘Marriage Room.’ and this is where marriage ceremonies will take place. There can be as many ‘Marriage Rooms’ as the venue requires. They are not required to be dedicated solely for marriage use and the certification of a room as a ‘Marriage Room’ should in no way affect any other normal business use of that room by the venue. The minimum availability of the room is one hour before the ceremony and until it’s completion.
The Waltham Forest Register Office will provide staff to conduct and register a marriage.
The licence application process usually takes a minimum of between 6-8 weeks to complete. Unfortunately no bookings can be confirmed until the Licence has been granted, and therefore it is essential for prospective applicants to submit their application early if they have potential brides and grooms waiting.
Celebrating and solemnising marriages at Marriage Venues is a very happy, enriching and rewarding experience for all those involved. They provide the ceremony proceedings before the reception or other facilities and entertainment provided by the venue thereby increasing visitor attendance’s affording an opportunity for further and increased business.
The grant of a licence as a Marriage Venue lasts for three years and is renewable. The fee is £600 per venue and you can licence as many ‘Marriage Rooms’ as you wish within the venue for this fee.
For further information telephone The Register Office on 020 8496 2716/7 and ask to speak to the Superintendent Registrar to arrange an informal discussion and visit by one of staff to guide you through the process.
