Hire a court venue
How to hire a court in the UK for filming, events and wedding receptions.
Applies to England and Wales
Overview
You can hire many court buildings throughout the UK for a variety of events and filming.
Court venues are usually available for hire outside normal working hours (although some buildings offer their facilities at other times) subject to certain conditions being met. You may need to pay an additional security fee if you’re holding an event outside normal hours.
Standard contracts are used for all filming and events.
You’ll need to produce public liability insurance cover before the hire date.
Films
To hire any of the venues for a film or TV series, email the Ministry of Justice Press Office.
Please don’t contact court or tribunal offices directly for film enquiries.
In the email, give as much detail as possible in relation to the type of building you need. If known, give your preferred location. This enables us to give you an accurate estimate. Costs depend on location, length and nature of the filming.
Remember to include a copy of the proposed script with the enquiry, otherwise we can’t process your request.
Although you’ll need to prove you have public liability insurance cover for up to £10 million before any filming can begin, you don’t have to include it in the first enquiry.
Events
Email the relevant court or tribunal you wish to hire for an event using find a court or tribunal or the location links on this page.
In the email, give as much detail as possible in relation to the type of building you need or, if known, give your preferred location. This enables us to give you an accurate estimate. Costs depend on location, length and nature of the event or function.
Court and tribunal buildings can accommodate a range of events:
- training
- education programmes
- private parties
- exhibitions
- charity events
- wedding receptions (not ceremonies)
All event hire is subject to approval. It can only be given if there is no risk to the reputation of HMCTS.
Although you’ll need to prove you have public liability insurance cover for up to £5 million before any event, you don’t have to include it in the first enquiry.
Court venue details
See details on court venues in the regions of England and Wales, including address, opening hours, facilities and contact information.
London and the South East
Kingston upon Thames Crown Court
Mayor’s and City of London Court
Westminster Magistrates’ Court
Midlands
North East
Newcastle upon Tyne Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court
North West
Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square)
Manchester Civil Justice Centre
Wales
Cardiff Crown Court (South Wales)
Updates to this page
Published 1 October 2014Last updated 21 June 2019 + show all updates
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Updated email address for hiring venues to Harry Harper.
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First published.