Since April 1995, civil marriages can take place in other buildings, which have been approved by local authorities as suitable venues.

Types of premises
These include stately homes, hotels and civic buildings. Marriages are not allowed to take place outdoors, or in temporary or moveable structures.

If you would like an up-to-date list of approved premises, please contact your local Registration Office or Essex County Council, 60-68 New Bridge House, Chelmsford, Telephone (01245) 506670.  You may also view a list below, organised by district or view the pdf on the right of this page.

Making arrangements
To arrange a wedding at approved premises, you must first contact the venue to make provisional arrangements and then you must contact the local Registration Office of the area in which the premises are located to ensure the Registration Officers can attend your wedding on the date and time of your choice. There is an additional fee for getting married at approved premises.

Notice of marriage
You will have to give Notice of Marriage in the district or districts where you live and you will have to give your Marriage Authority or Authorities to the Superintendent Registrar in the district where you are getting married.

Table of Fees (effective for the period: 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011)

Marriage by Superintendent Registrar's Certificate
A fee of £33.50 is payable for entering each notice of marriage  each party must give notice in their district of residence, (the district now comprises of the whole of Essex except Southend and Thurrock)).

Attendance Fees
Fee payable to a Superintendent Registrar before whom a civil marriage is to be solemnised in approved premises (for his/her attendance and that of a Registrar of Marriages)

1. Monday to Friday £295.00 *
2. Saturday £335.00 *
3. Sunday, Bank or Public Holiday £375.00 *

* includes commemorative certificate

Certificates
For a certified copy of the entry in the marriage register issued at the time of registration £3.50 or after the day £7.00.

Approved venues in England and Wales
A full list of approved venues throughout England and Wales is available from DirectGov www.direct.gov.uk/gro

List of approved premises by area