Most civil ceremonies

I'm often getting emails from eco chic couples wanting to get married outside and asking whether I know of anywhere that this is possible. So I thought it was time to give you all the bad news - you just can't get married, or have your civil partnership ceremony, under god's blue sky either in England or Wales. The law will not allow it, you can only get wed in a venue which has a license to hold civil ceremonies and the license stipulates that there has to be a roof over your head. Stupid I know, but true, especially when we all know that you can marry anywhere you like in Scotland!

The General Register office for England and Wales website will give you all the information you need and direct you to your local register office for more information. You can also get information about getting hitched in Scotland here, and Northern Ireland here.

The compensation for not being able to have a ceremony in the great outdoors is that some venues have bent over backwards to make your wedding or civil partnership a day to remember. We have some fabulous eco friendly venues on GreenUnion. There are historic houses, seaside resorts, farms, contemporary green buildings and even city vaults and they're all run by the nicest people in the world! So before you go anywhere else do check out our partner pages and be inspired.

Posted in Green Wedding Venues , Wedding Planning

Celebrating something?

January weekend break

Barrington House, one of our favourite ethical venues, is unexpectedly available from the 11th-13th January. If you still haven't sorted out where to hold your hen or stag weekend, or you're considering a last minute celebration or reunion, then check them out. Barrington House accommodates 26 people and you can have a fabulous get together with lots of country walks, beautiful views, traditional Herefordshire flavours and cosy open fires.

They can supply you with ready made meals prepared from local produce, or bring in their own caterers and do it all for you.

Barrington House is available at a special price of just £2200. To find out more, contact them on 0800 4581018 or atenquiries@barringtonhouse.co.uk

Posted in Green Wedding Venues

Christmas romance in the city

You don't have to leave the 'capital' to have the most romantic of green weddings. Right in the heart of London lies The RSA, a jewel of an environmentally savvy venue. Steeped in history the House was designed especially for the Society by Robert Adam in the early 1770s and the Georgian façade conceals gems of both contemporary and traditional architecture which have to be seen to be believed.

They're licensed to host civil ceremonies and serve the most delicious local and seasonal produce cooked on site. So if you're concerned about the environmental impact of your wedding, then have your ceremony & reception in the same venue and let The RSA's hard work tick a few more eco-friendly boxes without even trying!

There's a 20% discount on rates if you plan to wed in the next 3 months. Contact weddings@rsa.org.uk .

Posted in Green Wedding Venues

RSA wedding showcase - 7th October

Throwing a green wedding or civil partnership celebration doesn't necessarily mean traipsing out to the country. On the contrary, eco savvy couples who opt for city chic will find there are many advantages to getting married in the capital. There's a growing list of venues, many set in wonderful buildings steeped in heritage and tradition, like The RSA, that take their ethical responsibilities very seriously and can boast published environmental best practice policies. The RSA proudly ranks 8/10 on our green gauge, as high as many of our rural venues. They're keen to support British food producers and cook seasonal menus.

The RSA is holding a wedding showcase next Sunday 7th October between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm when the team will be on hand to guide you around the house and answer any questions you might have.

There'll be complementary refreshments on the day and there's a prize draw for one lucky couple to win an intimate lunch for two in the Vaults Restaurant.

So if you're planning an eco chic wedding in the city, get along to the RSA next Sunday 7th October 2007 to see what how green your celebration could be in Central London.

Posted in Green Wedding News , Venues