Bristol City Council to offer more wedding options at licensed venues
Changes designed to make it more inclusive for communities who do not hold traditional weddings
Couples getting married will be given more choices at Bristol City Council licensed venues under plans to increase income and reduce a huge financial gap.
The authority says expanding the kind of ceremonies could make it more inclusive for communities who do not hold traditional weddings.
The proposal is in the council’s annual 2026/27 draft budget, which is out to public consultation until November 26, and is forecast to bring in an extra £36,000 a year for the organisation.
No details about what would be on offer have been released but they would be available for people tying the knot at the Bristol register office at the Old Council House in the Old City and other premises, including Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, City Hall, the Harbourside Pavilion, and M Shed.
In the budget consultation, the council said: “We propose to offer more options for couples getting married or forming a civil partnership at the Old Council House or other approved venues.
“These extra options would come with additional fees.
“Expanding the types of ceremonies offered could make things more inclusive, especially for communities that don’t usually take part in traditional legal ceremonies.
“We continue to review how accessible and inclusive alternative venues are, thinking about things like physical access, cost, and location.
“Any price increases could affect lower-income households more, including groups who already face financial challenges.”
Bristol City Council is having to find ways to plug a £20.8million shortfall in 2026/27.
The budget will be agreed at full council in February.