VENUE
OUTDOOR CEREMONIES - MO RE FLEXIBILITY , MORE CHOICE
YOU CAN NOW HAVE A LEGAL WEDDING OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP OUTDOORS AT A LICENSED VENUE ( APPROVED PREMISES ), PROVIDING GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE TO COUPLES ON THEIR SPECIAL DAY . PREVIOUSLY CEREMONIES HAD TO TAKE PLACE IN A ROOM WITHIN A LICENSED VENUE OR IN A PERMANENT STRUCTURE OUTSIDE , COUPLES CAN NOW HAVE THE WHOLE CEREMONY OUTSIDE IN THE VENUE ’ S GROUNDS .
PHOTOGRAPHY BY : CAMILLA HARNEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Here are some common questions , answered by the Kent Registration Service .
Q . CAN I NOW GET MARRIED ANYWHERE OUTSIDE ? LIKE A BEACH ? A . No . The law has only changed to allow legal outdoor ceremonies to be able to take place within the grounds of an Approved Premises . ( A venue that is licensed by Kent County Council for ceremonies ).
Q . I HAVE AN EXISTING CEREMONY BOOKED AT AN APPROVED PREMISES . CAN I NOW HAVE THAT CEREMONY OUTDOORS ? A . You should discuss this with the venue as soon as possible . The law allows ceremonies to take place outdoors in the grounds of the venue . However , whether you can change your ceremony from an approved room at the Approved Premises to a location in the grounds depends on whether the venue is offering outdoor ceremonies . The venue must also first obtain prior confirmation from the local authority that the proposed location for your outdoor ceremony is seemly and dignified . It is important that you discuss your wishes with the venue before making any firm plans .
Q . WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY NOTICE OF INTENTION TO MARRY OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP IF I HAVE MY CEREMONY IN THE GROUNDS OF THE APPROVED PREMISES ? A . No . This will not be necessary unless you are changing to a different venue ( for example , if your current venue has decided not to offer outdoor ceremonies ).
Q . CAN I GET MARRIED IN A MARQUEE ? A . If the Marquee is located within the grounds of the Approved Premises then yes . You should discuss this with your venue .
Q . WILL MY CEREMONY BE CANCELLED IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ? A . No . Venues have been advised to consider contingency plans so that a ceremony can still take place on the day . You should discuss and agree this in advance with the Approved Premises . This may be use of an approved room within the premises , or a covered structure in the grounds .
52 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SUMMER 2023