How to become an `Approved Premises`?

To apply to have a venue granted approval to become an 'Approved Premises' and for a further information please contact :

Ms Susan Lockhart
Cumbria Registration Service
(Cumbria County Council)
Arroyo Block
The Castle
Carlisle
CA3 8UR


Tel: 01228 226359
Fax: 01228 607299
Email: susan.lockhart@cumbriacc.gov.uk  


Applications will require the following:

1. The completed application form.
2. Three copies of the floor plans for the premises detailing which parts and/or rooms of the venue will be used for marriage & civil partnership ceremonies. 
3. A copy of the up to date premises license.   
4. Payment of the appropriate fee (£950 for three year period). 

Once the above has been received, we will arrange a visit to the premises by the Superintendent Registrar for the local area to inspect the premises, and discuss the application to ensure the relevent criteria and conditions are met. The Superintendent Registrar will also need to see the insurance liability certificate, and the Fire Risk Assessment.

After this has been done and the local authority has confirmed that the premises has met the criteria and conditions laid down, the application will be advertised in the local press for a statutory notice period of 21 days. This enables the public to be aware of the application and to allow any objections to be lodged. 

Providing no objections are received, the premises will after the notoce period then be granted Approved Premises status. 

If any objection(s) are received to an application, the approval process will be suspended. Only once the objection(s) has been investigated and it is established as to whether or not it affects the approval of the premises will the process continue to either grant or refuse the application.  

Please allow approximately 6 to 8 weeks for any application (without objection) to be completed.

Please note:  Premises wishing to apply to become an approved premises should not advertise or take bookings for any marriage & civil partnership ceremonies until the application is completed and approved premises status has been granted.