The Law Commission of England and Wales has outlined recommendations to reform weddings law. The key parts of the current weddings law date back to 1836 or even earlier.
After reviewing the current arrangements, the Commission concluded that the current rules and regulations governing weddings are confusing and out-of-date. The reforms will give couples more choice over where and how their wedding can take place.
The reforms would also increase marriage locations. The new proposed venues could include gardens, beaches, forests, parks, village halls and cruise ships. The changes would also allow for more personalised content, such as the vows, rituals and songs chosen.
In the view of the Commission, the recommendations would ensure fairer treatment for all beliefs.
The reforms would allow the option for civil weddings to be conducted by independent officiants, as well as registrars, further expanding choice and availability.
Many of the changes would bring England and Wales in line with laws in other places including those nearby in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Jersey.
The recommendations include:
- Every wedding would be overseen by an authorised officiant, who would have legal responsibility for the wedding. Many weddings, such as religious weddings, will already have a person playing a similar role to that of an officiant (e.g., for the Anglian church, a member of the clergy). If permitted by Government, independent officiants will be able to conduct civil weddings.
- With very few exceptions, the same rules would apply to all weddings, meaning the different laws for different religious groups and civil weddings would no longer persist.
- Couples will have more choice over where their wedding can take place and over the content of their ceremony.
- The framework ensures that the dignity of weddings is upheld, and religious groups will be able to apply their own rules.
- Couples will be able to give notice of their intended wedding online, and to choose the registration district where they are then interviewed by a registration officer.
- The reforms provide greater protection against forced and predatory marriages.