In what would be the biggest review of marriage regulations in England and Wales since the 19th century, the Law Commission is recommending that marriages should be able to take place anywhere, provided the presiding officer considers it safe and dignified. The proposed reforms would also expand the pool of people who could serve as officials to all candidates from religious or non-religious organizations, as well as independent officials aged 18 and over. Independent adjudicators will need to apply to register individually and show that they are ‘fit and proper’ individuals. Additionally, for cruise ships with a port in England and Wales, officers such as the master or chief mate will also be able to conduct a legally recognized ceremony, even in international waters. Professor Nick Hopkins, family law commissioner at the commission, said: “The current marriage law is not working for many couples. Unnecessary restrictions and outdated regulations mean that thousands of people each year are denied a meaningful marriage. “Our reforms for government are designed to protect the traditional practices and dignity of marriage, while giving couples more choice about where and how they get married. “There is extensive precedent for our reforms around the world. By giving couples more control over their marriages and ensuring greater equality for all beliefs, the law can support those who want to marry, rather than putting unnecessary barriers in the way.’ According to existing rules, religious marriages must generally be held in a registered place of worship and civil marriages in a registry office or at approved venues or their premises. Until recently, when civil marriage rules were relaxed, partly in response to Covid, legally binding outdoor ceremonies were limited to Jewish, Quaker and, on request, Anglican couples. Under the Law Commission’s proposals, couples would be able to marry on the beach, in a park or in coastal waters without the location needing a licence. It will also mean military venues can host same-sex weddings for the first time. The commission says its recommendations could dramatically reduce the cost of weddings by giving couples options such as getting married at home or in a garden and removing the need for premises to be licensed, which limits the supply of venues. It also says increased flexibility could help clear up wedding delays caused by restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic. Greater freedom will also extend to the content of the ceremony, such as the vows, rituals and songs chosen. Religious content is currently banned in civil ceremonies, but the commission says the rules should be relaxed to, for example, allow couples who wish to incorporate religious elements for cultural reasons. In addition, the changes will allow a religious ceremony to be led by an interfaith minister who incorporates aspects of each of the couple’s beliefs. The commission said some couples performed two ceremonies, “one that complies with the law and one that reflects their beliefs or values.” Others have a ceremony, sometimes religious, which is not recognized by law. The commission said the current regulations were unfair and inconsistent, adding: “With very few exceptions, the same rules will apply to our program for all marriages.” Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST Another proposed change is to remove the requirement for ‘open doors’. The commission said there was a widespread misconception, fueled by the films, that this was to allow for last-minute objections before the oaths took place, but the truth is more prosaic. “In fact, only certain religious weddings (apart from Anglican, Jewish and Quaker) and civil weddings are required to be open to the public and this rule was a legacy of 17th century restrictions on Protestant Dissenters meeting for worship” . he said.
Unusual wedding venues
Lusty Glaze Beach, in Newquay, says it is the only spot in Cornwall where couples can legally marry on the sand. The privately owned cove is also available as a two-hour slot for excursions. If the Government accepts the Law Commission’s recommendations, expect to see many more beach weddings in England and Wales. Manchester’s Victoria Baths was described as ‘the most magnificent municipal bathing establishment in the country’ when it opened in 1906. It closed in 1993 but is now an event venue hosting weddings. Under the proposed changes, people could get married in baths that are still open, even in the pool (but probably on the shallow end, given the safety requirement). Brunel’s SS Great Britain, in Bristol, was once the longest ship in the world at just under 100 meters long and is available for couples. However, the ship is firmly steadied, and under the proposed laws, engaged couples will literally be able to set sail on their wedding journey. Dreamland, in Margate, Kent, believed to be the oldest surviving amusement park in the UK, is another possible wedding venue for couples looking to do something out of the ordinary. They – along with the guests – can get ready for the wedding journey by riding the roller coaster. The Great Glasshouse might not sound appealing during the current heat wave, but plant lovers can get married at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales for another less traditional option. The greenhouse, which contains the largest collection of Mediterranean plants in the Northern Hemisphere, is located in 400 acres of the Waun Las National Nature Reserve in Carmarthenshire.
