GUIDANCE FOR THOSE WISHING TO MARRY OR FORM CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS ON APPROVED PREMISES

As soon as a couple have made provisional arrangements for their marriage or civil partnership on approved premises in the London Borough of Enfield, they should be advised to contact the Superintendent Registrar at Gentleman's Row, Enfield, EN2 6PU.

Without the presence of this Superintendent Registrar and a Registrar there can be no marriage or civil partnership and any arrangements for the use of the premises depend entirely on their availability. It is, therefore, essential that the couple make an advance booking with this superintendent registrar for his attendance at their proposed marriage as soon as a booking can be accepted. A fee for this attendance will be payable before the ceremony.

The couple will also have to give a notice of marriage and civil partnership to the Superintendent Registrar(s) of the district(s) in which they live. This notice must be given in person by one of the couple but is valid for only three months. One of the couple should, therefore, attend the register office where they live as soon as possible after notice can be given.

The couple should be warned that any arrangements made for a marriage or civil partnership to take place on the approved premises are dependent on:
a. The attendance of the superintendent registrar and a registrar for the district in which the premises are situated;
and,
b. The issue of the authority or authorities for marriage or civil partnership by the superintendent registrar(s) to whom notice of marriage was given.

When notice is given in a different registration district from the one where the marriage or civil partnership is taking place, the couple will have to collect the authority before the ceremony and ensure that it is delivered to the registrar who is to attend the ceremony.

The couple should be advised that only a civil, non-religious ceremony can be permitted by the superintendent registrar. Any music, reading, words or performance, which form any part of the ceremony must be secular. The content of the ceremony must be agreed in advance with the superintendent registrar who will be attending the ceremony.

Any right of copyright for music, readings etc. permitted at the ceremony are a matter for the couple and the holder of the approval.