Couples are set to have more options for their wedding venues as significant changes to marriage laws are underway. Presently, religious ceremonies are limited to registered places of worship, while civil weddings can occur in register offices or approved locations. The current practice often involves couples marrying in a register office before holding a ceremonial event in a different setting like a beach, forest, or on a cruise ship.
In a groundbreaking revision of marriage laws not seen since the 19th century, couples will soon enjoy increased flexibility in their marriage choices, streamlining the process and reducing costs. The proposed reforms will shift the focus of wedding regulations from buildings to the officiants conducting the ceremonies, granting couples more control over their special day.
Under the new plan, couples will have the opportunity to wed in a broader range of locations as long as the venues meet specific standards of appropriateness and dignity. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) stated that these changes aim to align marriage laws with contemporary Britain, simplifying the process for legally binding religious ceremonies, including Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu weddings. Additionally, non-religious groups like Humanists will be able to officiate legally binding ceremonies for the first time.
The proposed adjustments stem from a Law Commission review of marriage laws in 2022, which recommended expanding the range of wedding locations to include non-building sites such as forests, beaches, local parks, community centers, village halls, and even private homes. A public consultation on the legal reforms is expected early next year, with legislative changes to follow when feasible in parliament.
The MoJ estimated that these reforms could potentially increase the number of weddings in England and Wales by 3%, translating to a projected £535 million boost to the economy over the next decade. This economic growth could support around 1,800 additional businesses and up to 12,000 jobs.
Baroness Levitt KC, Minister for family law, emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity of marriage while providing couples with more choices for their wedding day. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones echoed this sentiment, advocating for wedding laws that cater to the diverse needs of couples from all backgrounds.
