A major consultation has been launched to reform wedding law in England and Wales for the first time in almost 200 years. The proposals aim to give couples more choice over where and how they get married, reducing costs and strengthening safeguards to protect the meaning of marriage. Currently, around 470,000 people get married in England and Wales each year, but the law dates back centuries, meaning it often doesn't match the diversity of modern life.
The proposals would shift the focus from bricks and mortar to people and promises, allowing couples to legally marry almost anywhere, from forests and beaches to castles and canal boats. This could also help take some of the sting out of the wedding bill, which currently averages over £20,000, with venue hire alone typically costing around £6,000.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy said the current system treats certain faiths and belief groups differently, meaning some couples must choose between a ceremony that reflects their beliefs and one that gives them full legal protection. The proposals would bring the law up to date with a fair, consistent framework for all.
The consultation has been welcomed by the wedding industry, with Managing Director of Hobbs of Henley, Jonathan Hobbs saying that the proposed change of law could help boost business, which has declined over the last twenty years due to the restrictions on where weddings can take place.
The proposals would maintain strong protections to ensure weddings remain meaningful and legally robust, with officiants having to meet strict requirements to conduct weddings and determining if a location is suitable for a ceremony.