Licensing a venue for marriages and civil partnerships

Before you apply

You should:

• read the guidance notes
• read the fire safety advice
• contact us to arrange a visit to your premises - we will provide you with information, advice and guidance on the licence application process and continued support to completion.

Apply for a licence

 Download the Approved Premises Licensing Application Form

Licence costs

The licence will be valid for a minimum of 3 years. You can apply to renew your licence if it expires in less than a year.

Public Notices for current licence applications

Dorset Council, which is responsible for the registration of births, deaths, civil marriages and civil partnerships in the council area, wishes to give notice that the following have applied for a venue to be approved under Section 26 (1)(b) of the Marriage Act 1949, as amended and under Section 6 (3A)(a) of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 as amended) as a venue for the solemnisation of civil marriages and civil partnerships. 

The application and a copy of the plan of the premises is held by the Proper Officer for Registration. During normal office hours it may be viewed at:

The Dorset History Centre
Bridport Road
Dorchester
DT1 1RP

View directions and opening times for the Dorset History Centre.

Objections to a proposed grant of approval should be sent in writing by the closing date to:

Graham Duggan, Proper Officer for Registration

County Hall
Colliton Park
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 1XJ

Register a building for religious worship and marriage

Contact us:

• for information about how to register a building for religious worship and religious marriage
• if you wish to apply to register a religious building for the solemnization of marriages