Issue details

This report seeks approval for the following changes to Registration service in Wiltshire

Removal of restrictions on the times for solemnisation of marriage and registration of civil partnershipand to agree the fee to be charged to couples.

i)                 To request approval for the removal of the restrictions on the times during which marriages may be solemnised and civil partnerships registered. The only limitation placed on time would be the ability of the registration service to provide two officers.

ii)           To approve a schedule of fees to be charged to couples for this service.

The result of this change will be to give customers greater choice in the time for their ceremony to take place.

Approve a licensing procedure and fee for religious premises as a civil approved venue

(i)          To approve a licensing procedure for proprietors or trustees of religious premises to apply to local authorities for their premises to be made an approved venue for civil partnership registrations.

(ii)        To approve a licence fee of £1,700 for the provision of the licence.

The result of this change will enable the registration service to set up a licensing procedure similar to that for civil approved venues for marriage and civil partnerships and cover the cost of the procedure.

Fees Proposed

Removal of restrictions on the times for solemnisation of marriage and registration of civil partnerships

It is proposed that ceremony fees should remain the same as the existing (already approved) day- time fees, with the exception of ceremonies booked to start on or after 10 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.  These ceremonies will be subject to the bank holiday fee. 

Fig.1 Proposed fees (only change from current fees is highlighted)

Licensing Religious Buildings for the Registration of Civil Partnerships

It is proposed that the fee for granting an approval to a religious building should be equitable with the fee for a civil venue in Wiltshire. 

Proposed Licence fee of £1,700 renewable after three years.

Similarly, it is proposed that the fee for the registrar’s attendance to register a civil partnership should match the fee for a registrar to attend an approved venue to register a civil partnership since the costs are the same (see Fig 2 below) .

 Fig 2  Proposed Fees