Guidance

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

Harrow Crown Court

Inner London Crown Court

Isleworth Crown Court

Kingston upon Thames Crown Court

Lewes Combined Court

Mayor’s and City of London Court

Southwark Crown Court

Westminster Magistrates’ Court

Wood Green Crown Court

Midlands

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court

Lincoln Crown Court

North East

Newcastle upon Tyne Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court

Newcastle Moot Hall

York Crown Court

North West

Bolton Magistrates’ Court

Liverpool Crown Court

Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square)

Manchester Civil Justice Centre

Preston Combined Court

Wales

Cardiff Crown Court (South Wales)

Caernarfon Criminal Justice Centre (North Wales)

Newport Crown Court

Swansea Crown Court (West Wales)

Published 1 October 2014
Last updated 21 June 2019 + show all updates
  1. Updated email address for hiring venues to Harry Harper.

  2. First published.