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The Law Commission of England and Wales has recently published recommendations to reform wedding law, proposing to give couples more choice over where and how their wedding takes place.
To use their own words, “Our recommendations provide a new weddings law that gives couples greater choice within a simple legal framework to support and celebrate marriage.”
The current law governing weddings (The Marriage Act 1949) is a very complex piece of legislation, with its main structure dating all the way back to the 18th century. It is widely accepted that the law on weddings is outdated, restrictive and is in no way representative of the society we live in today.
The proposal includes the following key changes:
- Weddings can take place anywhere (including outdoors) rather than being limited to licensed venues or places of worship.
- Instead of choosing between a religious and non-religious ceremony, weddings can be conducted by non-religious entities, independent celebrants and just about anyone else.
- Ceremonies will no longer require prescribed wording as is currently necessary in civil and some religious weddings.
As a result of these changes (among many others), there will be far fewer restrictions and requirements. Ultimately, it is hoped that less marriages will be unrecognised in law.
Practically, these reforms would allow couples more flexibility and choice on their wedding day and give them access to a wider variety of locations and officiants. Without the need to hire a licensed venue, it is also possible that the average cost of weddings (currently in excess of £20,000 just for the day) could fall. Not only could couples choose to opt for more cost-conscious and/or private venues (such as their own homes), but the change could prompt wedding venues to lower their prices in response.
It is now for the Government to review and consider the recommendations.