Licensing premises for marriages and civil partnerships

You may apply to us for a ‘grant of approval’ to hold civil marriages and civil partnerships.

The grant of approval will be valid for a minimum of 3 years.

Follow the link to read gov.uk’s guidance on conditions for applying.

For any other enquiries please contact licensing.

• Follow the link to see a list of Portsmouth venues approved for civil ceremonies

Before applying for a grant of approval, please ensure you have read gov.uk’s guidance on conditions for applying.

To apply for a grant of approval, please print, complete and return either a secular or religious application form, which are available along with guidance sheets below.

In addition to the application form, please don’t forget to provide:

• a plan of the building showing the area where ceremonies will be held, and any other documents stated on the application form
• the fee

An Approved Premises licence costs £1500 for two rooms. Each additional room costs another £200.

This includes a full inspection by a Registration Officer and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. Upon satisfactory completion of these inspections the licence will be issued for a period of 3 years less one day.

We will also place a public notice in the Portsmouth News.

Payment can be made by cheque (please make payable to Portsmouth City Council), with cash or by debit/credit card.