Outdoor marriages and civil partnerships Consultation

Legislation was passed in July to allow outdoor (open air) ceremonies within the grounds of currently licenced venues. (Not to be confused with outside structures.) This legislation is due to expire in April 2022.

A consultation has been opened by the government on this subject. The government is proposing outdoor ceremonies (open air) would continue indefinitely. This would allow all licenced approved premises to continue offering this if they already have an approved outdoor area, or to seek approval to do so from the Registration Service.

The areas licenced would still need to be clearly defined and within the grounds of licenced premises, and agreed in advance with the Registration Service that the proposed area meets the criteria laid out in the legislation.

The consultation also lays out further proposals relevant to religious premises. The consultation can be found here along with the consultation document which outlines the proposals in more detail.

They are seeking views and opinions from owners and trustees of approved premises and other interested parties. You can have your say by filling out the survey.

The consultation closes on the 24^th January 2022.