VenueReady · Martyn's Law guides · Wedding venues
Martyn's Law for wedding and events venues
A big wedding with evening guests, caterers and a band can take a venue well past 200 people. For a standard tier venue, getting ready means clear procedures and briefed staff and suppliers, not new equipment.
Does Martyn's Law apply to you?
- Count the most people that could reasonably be on site at once: day and evening guests, your staff, caterers, bar staff and entertainers.
- Include outdoor areas you use, like ceremony lawns, courtyards and marquees on your land.
- 200 to 799 people puts you in the standard tier. 800 or more is the enhanced tier. Most venues that take public bookings are likely to be covered once they reach 200; if yours is purely private, check the official guidance.
Think of your busiest realistic time: a match day, live music, Christmas or a sunny Saturday.
Add your numbers to see whether Martyn's Law is likely to apply.
A quick guide, not legal advice. The law counts everyone reasonably expected to be there at the same time, including staff and outside areas like beer gardens.
What a standard tier venue has to do
- Tell the SIA about the premises and who's responsible for them. It's free, and you tell them again if the responsible person changes.
- Have four procedures, as far as reasonably practicable: evacuation (getting people out), invacuation (bringing people inside, away from a threat), lockdown (stopping an attacker getting in) and communication (warning people and calling for help).
- Make sure the people working there know them.
No new equipment is required for the standard tier. The duties are expected to start in spring 2027, and the regulator is the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Who's responsible?
The responsible person is whoever controls the venue for its use, which is normally the venue operator. A couple or event planner hiring the venue for the day doesn't take on the duty, so they need briefing on your plan.
Things to watch for
Exclusive hire
On exclusive-hire days you're still responsible. Brief the couple's coordinator or the event lead on exits, the meeting point and who calls 999.
Suppliers and freelancers
Caterers, bar teams, bands and photographers change every week. Give them a one-page briefing card when they arrive.
Marquees and outdoor spaces
Plan where guests go from the garden or marquee as well as the main building, including people with mobility needs.
Wedding fairs and public events
A public event for 800+ that checks tickets or takes payment on entry counts as enhanced tier. Check before you run one.
How VenueReady gets you ready
- Tier check and a dated capacity record for your biggest bookings
- Procedures with suggested answers for events venues, which you edit to fit
- A hirer and supplier briefing card that prints with your own exits and meeting point
- Staff sign-off by QR code or text link, so new event staff are briefed in minutes
See exactly what you get
A sample plan for an example venue, with all four procedures and the staff quick card.
Download sample plan (PDF)Questions
Do we need security guards or bag checks for weddings?
Not for the standard tier. You need procedures, to notify the SIA, and staff who know what to do.
Who should the couple's wedding planner talk to?
Your duty manager or event lead on the day. Your plan should name who's in charge and who calls 999.
We only go over 200 for a few big weddings a year. Does it count?
The test is the number reasonably expected at the same time, so regular big bookings count. Use the calculator above.
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