Getting Married or Entering a Civil Partnership

If you wish to marry in England or Wales, you may do so either by civil or religious ceremony.

A civil ceremony can take place in a Register Office or other building licensed for marriage ceremonies. The ceremony is conducted by a Registration Officer; it must be of a strictly none religious nature.

A religious ceremony can take place in a church, chapel or other building of religious worship, which has been formally registered, for marriage ceremonies. The service is conducted by the minister in accordance with the religious rites and ceremonies of the premises.

More information on legal formalities from Lancashire County Council

Approved Premises

Since 1st April 1995, the Marriage Act 1994 has allowed suitable privately owned premises to be licensed for marriage ceremonies, offering a vast choice of type, location and cost. You may marry at any approved premises in England or Wales.

View a full list of approved premises in Lancashire County

Church of England or Wales 

If you wish to be married in either of the above you or your partner would generally have to live within the parish of the church, or be a regular worshipper. If the minister is able to marry you, he/she will arrange for the Banns to be called or for a Common Licence to be issued. The marriage will also be registered by the minister, and there is generally no need to involve the local Superintendent Registrar. If the Register Office needs to be contacted, the vicar will advise you.

Other Places of Religious Worship

The church or religious building in question must normally be located within the registration district where you or your partner live, or, if outside the district, be a place of regular worship for either or both of you. The service will be conducted by the Minister of the venue, but occasionally a Registrar is required to register the marriage.

Lancashire Ceremonies Officers

Lancashire County Council employs three Ceremonies Officers dedicated to helping you to plan your Wedding Day.

The Ceremonies Officer for Lancashire East is based at the Registration Office in Accrington and deals with ceremonies in Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle.

Tel: 0845 053 0021
Fax: 01254 352585
Email: ceremoniesofficereast@env.lancscc.gov.uk