Locations

Marriages and civil partnerships can take place in England, Wales and Scotland at a register office, a building approved for civil marriage (e.g. stately home or hotel), an Anglican Church or at any other religious building that is registered to perform marriages. Unfortunately, you can’t get married outdoors or in temporary or moveable structures such as marquees.

In Northern Ireland, religious ceremonies can take place anywhere, but you should check that the person performing the marriage is legally able to do so in the venue you want. Civil marriages must take place in a Registrar’s office or at a building approved for civil marriage (e.g. stately home or hotel).

• To search for an approved venue in England and Wales, visit the General Register Office (www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/marriages/where-can-i-marry/finding--an--approved--venue.asp).
• To search for an approved venue in Scotland, visit the General Register Office for Scotland (www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/files1/registration/approved-places-for-civil-marriage-by-council.html). 
• To search for an approved venue in Northern Ireland, visit the General Register Office for Northern Ireland (www.groni.gov.uk/pdf/approved_venues.pdf).

If you want to get married in a religious building, you must speak to the person in charge of marriages at the building- they make the decision whether or not to marry you there.