politics
England and Wales Propose Weddings in Forests Beaches Gardens and at Sea
The Ministry of Justice launched a consultation on reforms that would let couples marry in any location by licensing celebrants instead of venues. The changes would also allow humanist ceremonies for the first time while adding safeguards against forced marriages.
Jul 15, 5:30 PM·1m read1 source
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Couples in England and Wales could marry in forests, beaches, at sea, or their own gardens under proposals from the Ministry of Justice, The Independent reported. The plans would shift licensing from venues to celebrants so that any location becomes eligible for a legally recognised ceremony. The consultation runs from Thursday to September 24.
It would also permit humanists to conduct binding weddings for the first time. A two-stage approval process with in-person interviews would be introduced to guard against forced, predatory and sham marriages. The average wedding in England already exceeds £20,000, with venue hire alone typically costing around £6,000 before catering.
The Law Commission estimated that a 3 percent rise in weddings could generate £139 million in extra annual spending and more than £238 million for the UK economy over the next decade. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said the reforms would give couples more freedom while protecting the meaning of marriage.
Justice Minister Baroness Levitt said the changes would end the need for couples to choose between a ceremony that reflects their beliefs and one that carries legal weight.
