England and Wales Propose 200-Year Wedding Law Overhaul for Beaches, Forests and Other Venues
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
England and Wales Propose 200-Year Wedding Law Overhaul for Beaches, Forests and Other Venues
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
Summary
Couples in England and Wales could legally marry in places such as beaches and forests under government proposals billed as the biggest wedding-law shake-up in 200 years.
The plan would replace the current venue-based system with an officiant-based model, letting approved officiants conduct legal ceremonies in wider locations after a public consultation that runs until September.
Current rules require marriages or civil partnerships to take place at approved venues, restrict religious content in civil ceremonies and bar celebrants from legally marrying couples, forcing some to pay for separate legal and personal ceremonies.
Supporters say the changes would make weddings more meaningful, inclusive and sometimes cheaper, including for interfaith couples and LGBT Christians, while critics argue they could dilute marriage and may not reduce average wedding costs of £21,990.
The government says safeguards would preserve the dignity of marriage by blocking gimmick ceremonies such as skydiving or roller-coaster weddings.