Licence your venue for marriage and civil partnerships
Swindon is a popular location for ceremonies, with excellent transport links and a wide choice of venues. We welcome wedding parties from Swindon and beyond.
From hotels and barns to gardens and historic buildings, Swindon already offers a diverse range of approved venues. We’re always looking to expand these options by licensing new and unique ceremony spaces.
We are happy to visit your venue for a free pre-inspection and offer advice before you apply.
To arrange this email: superintendentregistrar@swindon.gov.uk.
A venue license is valid for three years. Details of the cost of a venue license can be found on our fees page.
If you have any questions about the application process, your venue’s suitability, or what the licence includes, we are happy to help.
Things to consider before making your application
Is my venue suitable?
Your venue does not need to offer reception facilities or be an existing wedding business. Many approved venues are ceremony-only locations.
You can choose how often to host ceremonies. Many couples are now opting for smaller celebrations, and weekday weddings are becoming increasingly popular. You will also have the flexibility to work with each couple to plan ceremonies that suit your venue.
Before applying, please make sure:
- you have planning permission for holding ceremonies
- the venue meets fire safety and health and safety standards
If your venue already has a fire risk assessment and meets local health and safety requirements, it may already comply. However, we will still carry out our own checks during your application.
Requirements for approval
To be approved, your venue must meet the following conditions:
- The public must have free access to the ceremony room(s) for one hour before and during each ceremony
- There must be step-free access or appropriate ramps for disabled people
- Signs must be displayed at all public entrances showing:
- directions to the specific room where a ceremony is taking place
- a statement that the venue is approved for marriages and civil partnerships and that a ceremony is being held in the named room
- A named responsible person must be present one hour before and during each ceremony. You must also name a deputy to cover absences.
- The ceremony must be entirely non-religious, including any music, readings, or introductions
- Bars in ceremony rooms must be closed and screened one hour before and during the ceremony
- Other events or noise must not interfere with the ceremony
- Registration staff must have easy access to a telephone
Ceremony room requirements
At least one room must be licensed for civil ceremonies. Each licensed room must:
- be able to accommodate the couple, two witnesses, the celebrant and registrar
- be a clearly defined part of the venue
- not serve or allow food and drink for one hour before or during the ceremony
- have any bar areas closed during this time
Linked outdoor areas
You are now able to use the outdoor areas of your venue to hold a wedding, as long as it is within the boundary of the premises the building is part of. It must also be clearly signposted.
If using an outdoor structure, you must also licence an indoor room that can be used if the weather is poor.
Disabled access
Approved venues must provide accessible facilities, including:
- a drop-off point or accessible parking near the main entrance
- level or ramped access to ceremony rooms
- handrails if there are steps
- a lift if rooms are above ground level
- clear signs to guide wheelchair users from the car park and around the venue
Your responsibilities
As an approved venue, you are responsible for making sure every ceremony can take place legally, safely and with dignity. The following conditions must be met before and during each ceremony.
When the ceremony is booked
- The ceremony must take place at the licensed venue and in a registered room
- The licence certificate must be clearly displayed
- If the licensed area is altered, such as changes to layout or ownership, the licence becomes invalid
- Ceremonies can take place at any time, depending on registrar availability
- You must not accept bookings beyond your licence period unless:
- a renewal application is in progress
- all conditions of approval remain the same, including ownership, usage and planning consent
Benefits of becoming an approved venue
When you are granted a licence, you will receive:
- a certificate of approval to display
- support from professional registrars to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly
- a listing on the Swindon approved premises register
- a link to your venue from the register of approved venues directory
- opportunities to be featured at national wedding and civil partnership shows
Current applications
- Applicant
- STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Fire Fly Avenue
Swindon
SN2 2EY - Notice of application
- Closing date for objections
- All objections must be received by no later than 5.00pm on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
Legal notices
A legal notice must be displayed at all ceremonies. For example:
Blunsdon House Hotel has been approved as a venue for marriages and civil partnerships in pursuance of section 26(1)(bb) of the Marriage Act 1949 and Civil Partnerships (Registration Provisions) Regulations 2005. The ceremony is taking place today in the Garden Room.
Signs must be at least A4 in size and printed in a clear, readable font.