Licensing your venue

The county council licences ceremony venues in Kent and Bexley where couples may solemnise their civil marriage or register their civil partnership.

To be licensed, a ceremony venue must be a permanent structure. It must provide a seemly and dignified place where the important personal events of peoples lives may be celebrated with solemnity and dignity. Venues may be all shapes and sizes and do not need to be part of the 'event business' or able to offer reception facilities. There are venues that concentrate on ceremonies only. Venues can include outside structures such as gazebos and summerhouses. A licence lasts for 3 years. You can view the current list of venues licensed to conduct ceremonies (Approved Premises) in Kent and Bexley on the "A Kentish Ceremony" website.

The application procedure

The application procedure for a licence is very straightforward and advice is available throughout the process. A free inspection is available to all prospective applicants and this enables advice and assistance to be given prior to a formal application being submitted. Most venues find it useful to take advantage of this service before making a final decision. The process for licensing a venue is usually 6-8 weeks.

If you would like a free inspection please email kentish.ceremony@kent.gov.uk or telephone 01622 221008.

Before applying, please take the time to read the leaflet available in the right hand menu, which provides details of the licensing regulations, the application process, contact details, help and advice.

If your application is declined, you have the right to seek a review of the decision. Please contact us in the first instance by telephoning 01622 221008 or email kentish.ceremony@kent.gov.uk

Applying by post

You may apply for a civil ceremony licence by post. Simply download and complete the application form in the right hand menu, or telephone 01622 221008 requesting an application pack. Remember to include all supporting documentation with your application.