Outdoor Ceremonies
All of us at Buckinghamshire Registration Service know how important your special day and ceremony is to you, your family, and friends. We will always endeavour to do what we can can to ensure that your ceremony day is everything you planned for.
Outdoor civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies
In England and Wales there are legal restrictions on outdoor civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies and where they can be held.
Outdoor civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies can only take place in a licensed venue that has previously obtained prior confirmation from the superintendent registrar of the district in which the licenced venue is situated. The location of the linked outdoor area(s) where it is proposed the proceedings will take place would be seemly and dignified and that the location is within the boundary of the land.
The marriage or civil partnership formation must be solemnized in the presence of two witnesses and the registrars. All parties should be in the approved room or licenced covered structure or wholly outdoors.
In Buckinghamshire, outdoor civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies can only take place between, 1 April and 31 October, weather permitting. Please do remember, the weather does have its part to play on the day. It is a legal requirement that the marriage or civil partnership schedule (and all other legal paperwork) must be protected from the elements and always kept safe and secure. Your ceremony may not be able to take place in the outside structure if it is raining, there are high winds, or due to very cold or very hot temperatures. The registrar will make the final decision as to whether a ceremony must move location.
Licenced venues should have a suitable contingency available. This may be a previously approved room or a covered structure within the linked outdoor areas. The Registrar will make the final decision as to whether a ceremony must move location leading up to or on the day of the ceremony.
If you have chosen a licensed venue and would like to have a ceremony in an area outside, couples must complete an Outdoor Ceremony Agreement Form prior to the ceremony.
Outdoor celebratory ceremonies
We recognise that couples want more flexibility with their ceremonies. For couples who wish to have their ceremony in a venue that is not licensed for a civil ceremony, we offer a range of celebratory ceremony options, providing an excellent choice of location to give you choice and flexibility for your celebrations.
Celebratory ceremonies have no legal standing and are subject to terms and conditions. If you have chosen a unlicensed venue and would like to have a ceremony in an area outside, couples must complete an Outdoor Ceremony Agreement Form prior to their ceremony.
Alternatively please contact our Ceremonies Team via email at ceremonies@buckinghamshire.gov.uk to discuss this further.