How do you give notice for a wedding at an approved venue?
If you're marrying at an approved venue such as a hotel, stately home or other licensed premises, you still give notice at the register office covering the district where you live, exactly as you would for a register office wedding. The only difference is that you'll give the venue's name and address as the ceremony location on your notice.
Notice is about where you live, not where you'll marry
The register office you attend to give notice depends solely on your residency, not on your wedding venue. Even if your approved venue is in a completely different part of the country, you still give notice locally to where you live.
Confirming the venue in advance
Because your ceremony venue is recorded on your notice, confirm your booking with the approved venue before your appointment. Some venues also need to liaise with the local register office covering the venue's district to arrange registrars to attend, so check what your venue expects from you and by when.
Registrars attending the ceremony
Unlike a register office wedding, an approved-venue ceremony needs registrars from that district to travel to attend, which venues typically book on your behalf, though it's worth confirming this has been arranged rather than assuming it.
What this means for you
- Book your approved venue and confirm the date before giving notice, since the details you give must match.
- Give notice at your own local register office even if your wedding will be held elsewhere.
- Confirm with your venue that registrar attendance has been arranged for your date.
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Give notice at your local register office
- GOV.UK — Marriages and civil partnerships in the UK
- GOV.UK — Fees for marriages and civil partnerships
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.