D.20 Prisoner Weddings/Civil Unions (National Policy)

Policy Standard

The Prison Manager may approve the use of the prison for a prisoner’s marriage ceremony or civil union provided proof of legal entitlement to marry or enter into a civil union ceremony is provided by the prisoner.

If a marriage ceremony or civil union poses a threat to the security or good order of the prison, the Prison Manager may decline to approve a marriage ceremony or civil union in the prison.

If prisoners seeking approval to marry or enter into a civil union are entitled to Home Leave or Temporary Release, prisoner marriages and civil unions within the prison are to be discouraged.

Prisoner marriages and civil unions will be requested, approved, and conducted in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, local procedures and regulations.

Performance Standard

1. A prisoner’s request to marry or enter into a civil union may be approved provided:
   • The prisoner is legally entitled to marry or enter into a civil union;
   • The prisoner is mentally competent;
   • The intended spouse or civil union partner has verified, (ordinarily in writing), an intention to marry or enter into a civil union with the prisoner;
   • The marriage or civil union poses no threat to prison security or good order, or to the protection of the public;
2. Both the intended Bride and Groom or civil union partners must apply to the Prison Manager in writing.
3. The Prison Manager shall notify the prisoner in writing whether the prisoner’s request to marry or enter into a civil union is approved or not approved.
4. The Prison Manager will determine the security requirements.
5. The wedding party or civil union ceremony can consist of up to twelve people.
6. Any wedding party or civil union ceremony visitor, who is an ex-prisoner, will need to apply to the Prison Manager for approval to visit the prison at least fourteen days before the wedding / civil union ceremony. The approval must be presented at time of entry in to the prison.
7. Visitors are required to carry out any lawful instruction that may be issued to them by any staff member.
8. It is not permissible to give or receive any item from prisoners.
9. Photographs may only be taken in an area agreed to by the prison Manager. One camera and one spare film are permitted. Prisoners attending the wedding or civil union ceremony must notify the Prison Manager that they have no objection to being photographed.
10. All expenses of the marriage or civil union (including the marriage or civil union licence) are to be paid by the prisoner, the prisoner’s intended spouse or civil union partner, the prisoner’s family, or other appropriate source approved by the Prison Manager.
11. The Prison Manager shall require that a marriage or civil union ceremony at the prison be a private ceremony conducted without media publicity.