Apply for approval of premises for civil marriage and civil partnership

Eligibility criteria

The application must be made in writing (and may be submitted by electronic means) using the application form available on on the Gov.uk website and include:

• the information specified in the guidance to the application form
• the application fee specified in the guidance note 

Regulation summary

Your premises will be inspected. Your application and plan will be made available to the public for inspection and public notice of the application put in a local newspaper as part of a public consultation process.

Application evaluation process

To be granted your application must be in the correct format and your premises deemed suitable.

Your application may still be refused if it is felt that there are too many approved premises in the area for the registrars to attend.

Conditions may be imposed in relation to your approval.

The Registrar General may issue guidance to local authorities to assist them in making their decision.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the council within the period detailed in the guidance note, please contact us using the information provided in the guidance.

Failed application redress

You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's refusal to grant your application.

You must deliver your request for review to the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services, the proper officer for registration matters, accompanied by any requested fee.

Please contact Gateshead Council in the first instance.

Approval holder redress

You have the right to seek a review of the local authority's imposition of conditions, refusal to renew or revocation of approval.

You must deliver your request for review to the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services, the proper officer for registration matters, accompanied by any requested fee.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Citizens Advice (opens new window)  will give you guidance. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (opens new window).

Other redress

If you object to an application for premises approval you may give notice to the local authority within 21 days of the notice of application appearing in the local newspaper.

Trade Associations

Hotel Marketing Association (opens new window)