Under the Marriage (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, we can grant approved venues a three-year licence to hold civil marriages and civil partnership registrations, subject to a successful application.
We will not grant approval where we are of the opinion that applicant is not a fit and proper person.
There is no limit to the number of rooms that can be approved for marriages. We would expect the number of rooms to be kept to a minimum to avoid confusion. Please note that each application fee covers the rooms contained in one building.
Marriages must only take place in a room/location which is approved. A separate room must also be available for the confidential interviewing of the marriage parties.
Where approval is sought for outdoor locations appropriate shelter must be provided in case of inclement weather. If the alternative is a separate location (i.e. hotel where the reception is to be held) then approval must be sought for this location also.
Cost for a licence
£450 for a three-year licence to hold a civil marriage or civil partnership
£50 additional fee to obtain both licences
Making an application
The proprietor or a trustee of suitable premises must make an application for place approval.
Either of the parties of an intended civil marriage/partnership can apply for a temporary venue approval.
Contact our team by phone or 028 9244 7300 or email: ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
You will need to provide
- the relevant fee
- associated documents including:
- floor plans are required for new applications or structural alterations and sections shall be to a scale of not less than 1:100 including a Location Plan to a scale of not less than 1:1250
- copy of fire safety risk assessment (where applicable)
- certificate of Public Liability Insurance [indicating that the Premises{or part of} are insured to be used for Marriage Ceremonies & Civil Partnership.]
You must give public notice for 21 days for all new three year applications to give members of the public the right to object.
A blank notice template will be provided in your initial application pack and must be posted somewhere on the premises that is clearly visible to visiting members of the public.
Application process
We will assess the application within ten days of receipt.
A decision will be made within eight weeks provided all the necessary requirements have been met.
It can take up to six weeks to have an application approved. The process is:
- upon receipt and associated documents we may inspect the premises along with a member of the Fire Service
- we consult with the PSNI and NIFRS and take their observations into account as part of our decision making process
- you will receive formal confirmation from our Environmental Services team
Appealing a decision
Where an application is rejected you will be notified in writing. You must appeal within 28 days of the rejection notification.
Appeals must be lodged to the County Court within 21 days of you being informed. The Courts decision will be final.