Do you need a licence for a wedding venue?

If you are marrying in a register office, an approved venue or a religious building registered for marriages, the venue is already authorised to hold your ceremony. You and your partner must give notice of marriage at your local register office at least 28 full days before the wedding, and your notice is valid for 12 months. The venue handles the legal paperwork on the day, and you will sign a marriage schedule rather than a register book. If you are considering an outdoor civil ceremony, check that the venue is approved for outdoor ceremonies since 2022. For religious buildings, the Church of England and Church in Wales usually require banns to be read or a licence to be obtained, so speak to your vicar or registrar early.