Weddings could be held outside or at home under new proposals

Current wedding regulations ‘no longer’ meet couples’ needs, says The Law Commission
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A new proposal from the Law Commission seeks to allow couples to get married outdoors or inside family homes.

The proposal will permit couples in England and Wales to get married in private gardens, beaches, parks and cruise ships.

The Law Commission says that the current wedding regulations are ‘no longer meeting the needs of many couples’, and it believes that couples shouldn’t have to choose between a civil or a religious ceremony.

The current rules state that a wedding in England and Wales must fall under either of these categories and, if you choose a religious wedding, you must get married at a registered religious building and it must be registered by a religious minister. Same-sex couples who choose a religious wedding can only be married in places that are registered for same-sex couples.

For a civil ceremony, it needs to take place in a venue approved by the local council or a register office and two witnesses must be present.

The Law Commission says these regulations are ‘out of kilter’. In Scotland, weddings can take place anywhere.

"Our proposals would give couples the freedom to choose the wedding venue they want and a ceremony that is meaningful for them. By doing so, we hope to make the laws that govern weddings reflect the wishes and needs of today's society,” Professor Nick Hopkins, family law commissioner at the Law Commission said.

A spokesperson for the Church of England added: "Our research shows that being married in a place that has meaning is still important to couples and their families.

"The moments of waiting to walk down the aisle, standing at the steps and exchanging timeless vows that can only be said in a church, and turning to walk out of the church as a newly-married couple, are cherished."

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The Commission says the pandemic has highlighted the restrictions couples face when it comes to wedding ceremonies and hopes that weddings will be able to take place remotely if another pandemic were to happen.

It’s no secret that the wedding industry has seen a mass disruption this year, with most weddings either postponed or cancelled due to social distancing rules. These proposed changes could make it easier and more viable for couples to get married in the future.

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