Civil marriage licence
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Civil marriages can now take place in locations other than registration offices. There are two different types of civil marriage applications:
- temporary approval is valid for one event only on a specific date at a specific site, and
- period approval is valid for three years and covers all civil marriages at the designated premises.
To apply for a period approval or temporary approval, the application forms can be downloaded, completed and returned with the appropriate application fee to the licensing section at the address below.
Click on the links below for answers to each question:
How do I apply for a licence?
What documents do I need to apply for a licence?
Do I need to do anything once my application is lodged?
How much is the licence fee?
What criteria have to be met to apply for a licence?
How long will my application take?
Who is consulted about my application?
What happens if there is an objection to my application?
What conditions are attached to my licence?
How long does the licence last for?
How do I apply for a licence?
An application pack with an application form and conditions of licence can be downloaded below:
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You can apply in person at our Customer Service Centre or post you application to us at the address below, with the appropriate fee and documents enclosed.
You must answer every question on the form. If a question is irrelevant, mark it as 'not applicable'.
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What documents do I need to apply for a licence?
The application form and relevant fee must be accompanied with:
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Do I need to do anything once my application is lodged?
Applicants are required to display a public notice at the proposed premises once an application has been lodged. The display notice will be sent out to you by the Licensing Section and shall state the dates that the notice requires to be displayed from. The notice should be displayed in a prominent position for the information of the public once received by you.
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How much is the licence fee?
Information on fees for all licences is available on our application fees webpage.
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What criteria have to be met to apply for a licence?
Applicants for a civil marriage approval only need to apply if they intend to hold a non-religious ceremony.
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Applications made will be considered within 3 months and a decision made within 6 months.
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Who is consulted about my application?
A copy of your application will be sent to Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, Registrar, Environmental Services Department and Planning & Transport. They will carry out their own investigations and report back to the licensing section.
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What happens if there if an objection or representation to my application?
If an objection or representation is received, the application must be considered at a meeting of the Regulatory Functions Board. You will be formally cited to attend the meeting and a copy of the letter of objection will be sent out to you with the citation letter.
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What conditions are attached to my licence?
The conditions of licence can be downloaded here:
A copy of the conditions of licence for civil marriage approval will be issued to you if your licence is granted. The council requires all licenceholders to have a thorough understanding of these conditions and they should be kept as they form part of your licence.
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How long does the licence last for?
Applications are granted for a period of three years.
A list of currently approved wedding venues can be found here.
If you want to contact us, you can: by phone, email, visit or write to us, the contact details are below.
- email: licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 842 4499
- fax: 0141 840 3566
- write to:
Licensing Section
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1TT
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