Civil partnership in a venue of your choice

You can apply to hold a civil partnership ceremony in a venue of your choice, subject to a successful application and availability of a Registrar.

Examples of such venues include your home, a local community centre, a hotel or a restaurant of your choice.

Making an application

To apply to hold a civil partnership ceremony in a venue of your choice, you must complete an application form and return it to the Registrar as soon as possible. You should do this no less than three months and no more than six months from your chosen date.

You must also provide the following documents:
It costs £400 to apply for a temporary venue application.


Terms and conditions

Full terms and conditions relating to temporary civil partnership venues are available in our approved venue guidance leaflet.

Timescale

Your application will be assessed and acknowledged within ten days of being received.

The premises may also be inspected to make sure they comply with health and safety laws.

A decision will be made within three months, provided all the necessary requirements have been met.

If your application is rejected, you will be notified in writing and a reason will be given.

Under the Marriage (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, we have to give public notice of all temporary civil partnership applications.

This means that members of the public have the right to object to your application, once public notice has been given.


Choosing a date

If you are planning on having your ceremony in a year's time or longer, you can make a provisional booking.

If you want a date within the next 12 months, you can also make a definite booking, subject to availability.

Easter to October is our busiest season and Fridays and Saturdays are particularly popular days.

You are advised to book your ceremony as early as possible to secure the date and time you want.


Cancellation

If you change your plans or decide to postpone your ceremony, you must notify the Registrar as soon as possible.