(Picture: PA Archive)
Weddings could be allowed on beaches, in homes, gardens and parks in the biggest shake up of marriage laws since the 19th century.
The Law Commission was asked to review the “confusing, out-of-date and restrictive” laws which regulate places where couples can marry.
Under the proposed new system in England and Wales, regulation would focus on the officiant rather than the building, allowing weddings to take place in any “safe and dignified” location such as forests, cruise ships, or village halls.
The liberalisation would also allow couples to personalise the vows, songs, and rituals in the ceremonies, and to blend aspects of different faith ceremonies if they are of mixed faith.
Professor Nick Hopkins, Family Law Commissioner at the Law Commission, said: “The current law on weddings is not working for many couples. Needless restrictions and outdated regulations mean that thousands each year are denied having a wedding that is meaningful to them.
“Our reforms for Government are designed to protect the established practices and dignity of weddings, while offering couples more choice on where and how they marry.
“There is widespread precedent for our reforms around the world. By giving couples more control over their weddings and ensuring greater parity for all beliefs, the law can support those who want to get married, rather than putting unnecessary barriers in the way.”
At the moment, couples must currently choose between either a civil or a religious ceremony, with no option for a ceremony reflecting other beliefs.
This means Anglican, Jewish, Quaker and other religions each have a different set of rules.
Most couples must also have their weddings in a registered building, normally either a place of worship or a licensed secular venue.
The Commission said the changes come amid greater demand for more affordable wedding options particularly as household finances come under pressure and the “Covid backlog” of weddings persists.
The Commission’s recommendations represent a comprehensive overhaul to current weddings law, the key parts of which date back to 1836 or even earlier.
It said 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, and further afield such as in New Zealand, Canada and Australia.
