A Kentish Ceremony Summer 2024 | Page 52

YOUR KENTISH CEREMONY

OUTDOOR CEREMONIES

MORE FLEXIBILITY , MORE CHOICE
Photography by : Matt Cook Photography

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 .

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 .
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 . 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 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 ).
52 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SUMMER 2024