Not all weddings or Civil Parrtnerships take place in register offices (or churches for marriages). There are many 'Approved Premises' throughout Cumbria which can be used as an alternative venue.

An 'Approved Premises' is a venue or building that has been granted the authority to hold civil marriage or Civil Partnership ceremonies. 

Venues such as hotels, civic halls, stately homes, historic buildings, race courses, museums and the like can obtain approval for marriage ceremonies to be held in specific rooms and locations at the venue. We even have a ship moored in a port and the Windermere Motor Racing Club! Many of these 'Approved Premise' in Cumbria are set in picturesque and beautiful landscaped gardens, idea for having your photographs taken.

Venues must meet certain criteria and conditions, and the ceremony must be carried out by an appointed member of the Registration Service team of celebrants. Ceremonies at 'Approved Premises' follow a similar format to those held in a register office, but there is scope to personalise the ceremony.

NB: The Cumbria Registration Service shall not state or imply any recommendation of premises given 'Approved Premises' status. Where a ceremony is arranged with an 'Approved Premises', the Registration Service cannot accept any liability with regards to the contract between the venue and those taking part in any ceremony.

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