How do you go about getting married in a park?

[beaniebaby25]

Although DP has not technically proposed, we're tentatively planning on getting married next year but we dont want a big white wedding.

Ideally I'd love to get married on a beach somewhere, but if finances prevent that, how do you organise getting married in a park? and is it even possible? There's a large park in East London which has great memories for us both and I thought it would be nice to investigate the possibility of getting married there, and having a kind of 'strawberry and champagne' picnic party afterwards.

Where do I start? A quick search online tells me that they dont have any kind of wedding service already. I think they have a pavillion that's still standing which would be nice... and they have lovely gardens which are apparently used a lot for wedding photos anyway. i just dont know if weddings can be performed there.

How does it work? any ideas? Completely new to all this!!

[laneyjay]

When I was getting married I was also interested in a low key outdoor ceremony. I think, as was the case at the time, that you can not get married in a park as such because it is the structure that has to be licensed. For example, in my local park The Bandstand is a licensed venue. Your council will probably have a list of all licensed venues on their website so I would check there first or give them a call. If it isn't currently licensed, I think you can apply for a license-ask council. You will need to hire a registrar at approx £400 for the ceremony and legal bit. You might also need to check that the park has no regulations or restrictions for private events and alcohol outdoors. Although I really liked the bandstand there was always the 'what if it rains?' question and so in the end I got married at the registry office and had a sit down 3 course meal for 60 and evening buffet for 80 at the local golf club total cost was £2500.(1997) Good luck with your plans!

[laneyjay]

Confetti has good info

www.confetti.co.uk/article/view/12941-8179-0-Where_can_we_hold_a_civil_ceremony__Civi l_Wedding.do

[beaniebaby25]

oooh thanks laneyjay! That info is really useful. I've just checked out my local registrar and all registered places in my borough but looks like the park isn't. maybe we'll marry in a registry office nearby and then have the reception as like a picnic thing and invite everyone to the park? but yes will have to check re alcohol licence etc. exciting!!

Will check out that website tonight as well. thanks again

[eloise2008]

Message deleted

[ProfessorLaytonIsMyLoveSlave]

You can marry outside in Scotland -- less likely to find a spot with memories for you, though, if you live in London.

[Tillyscoutsmum]

You can't unless it has a civil licence. You can't get a licence to marry outside (in England) but a structure can get a licence. It might even be worth seeing if the Local Authority would be willing to apply for a licence and you could cover the cost.

Alternatively, a registry office ceremony and a picnic in the park sounds fab. You can marry in any registry office you like

[superpenguin]

Yes you can only get married somewhere that has a licence.
A licence can only be issued to a permanent structure, so no parks, beaches or boats.
But you might be able to find something like a pavilion or a bandstand in a park that has a licence.
Ask your local register office for a list of all licenced venues in the area.

And remember it is a particular room that has the licence not just the building too!

[ilove]

Lille, you need to pay to advertise on MN. Reported.

[DesperateHousewife21]

Did you get married in the park beanie??

[msrisotto]

Might be way too late but a friend was telling me about this place which could be what you're after.