Neighbourhood nuptials
Question
Is it possible to obtain a marriage licence for your own back garden? If so how long does it take to receive and what are the costs?
Answer
As things stand at the moment you're only able to get married in a permanent structure so it's not possible to get married outdoors. Venues approved for marriage are also required to be available to the public.
The approval of venues for marriages is currently carried out by your local council, for example, the Norfolk County Council website has the following information which highlights the fact that outdoor areas can't be used:
'The venue must be a seemly and dignified place for the solemnisation of marriages. The venue must be regularly available to the public for such a use. The marriage must take place in a readily identifiable room or suite. This means that marriages cannot be held in the open air, or in a temporary structure like a marquee. The premises must have no recent or continuing connection with any religion or religious practice.'
It's a real shame that marrying outdoors isn't possible at the moment.
Updated: 05/12/2007
Question answered by CAB
