If you have a venue that you think would be a perfect location to hold civil weddings and civil partnerships, you need to apply to Essex County Council for a licence.

 

To be licensed, a ceremony venue must be a dignified and appropriate place where couples can celebrate an important event in their lives. The venue needs to be a permanent structure but it can be a gazebo or summerhouse. The venue does not have to offer reception facilities, as some venues concentrate on ceremonies only.

 

A licence lasts for three years. 

Applying for or renewing a licence is very straightforward. It is a good idea to read the guidance notes on the requirements before an approval can be granted. 

 

The fee to apply for a licence is £1,600. You can pay this online when you make your application, or you can download the application form and send it, with a cheque made payable to Essex County Council, to:

 

Essex Registration Service
A Block, 5th Floor
PO Box 11
County Hall
Chelmsford
Essex, CM1 1LX

 

If an approval is not granted, the fee is not refunded.

 

Details of how to renew a licence are provided in the guidance notes.