Since April 1995, local councils have been able to license other buildings for civil marriages as long as they are suitable. This means civil weddings can take place in hotels, stately homes and other historic buildings. You are able to choose between having your civil wedding in any Register Office in England and Wales or any approved marriage venue in any district in England and Wales.

You will still have to give notice to the Register Office in the district, or districts where you live. When the marriage authority/authorities are issued, you must deliver them by hand or by post to the register office in the district where you intend to get married. The fees for getting married in approved premises will be set by each local council and will not be the same throughout the country. 

Marriages are not allowed to take place outdoors or in temporary or moveable structures such as marquees or boats.