188.Paragraph 1 deals with transitional arrangements in relation to “approved premises”. These are premises (such as hotels) which have been approved by local authorities as venues for civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnership registrations. The effect of paragraph 1 is that any premises in the process of applying to be approved, or already approved, as a venue for marriages of opposite sex couples will automatically be approved as a venue for marriages of same sex couples. Any future applications for, and grants of, approval of premises, will be for both same sex and opposite sex civil marriage ceremonies. All approved premises will be subject to the approved premises regulations (as defined) and any related guidance, on commencement of section 11.
Examples
A hotel has already been approved by a local authority as a place where civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships can take place. The licence of approval will automatically extend to allowing for marriage of same sex couples.
A hotel wishes to apply to be approved as a place where civil marriage ceremonies and civil partnerships can take place. The approval, if granted, will apply to both same sex and opposite sex marriage ceremonies.