Major changes proposed to wedding laws
2026
Only a few years ago the Government changed rules relating to wedding ceremony venues so that it was easier for built premises with the relevant licence to hold ceremonies in ‘linked outdoor areas’.
Now the Government has issued a major new consultation seeking views on reforming weddings law in England and Wales in line with previous recommendations made by the Law Commission.
The potential changes considered relate to the different stages of weddings, being the: (i) preliminaries; (ii) ceremony; and (iii) registration.
For businesses, perhaps the notable proposed changes relate to the locations of weddings with a view to vastly expanding the locations where couple can marry. This may well result in the removal of the requirement that weddings take place in pre-approved venues but perhaps introducing a system that all venues to apply voluntarily for pre-authorisation as suitable wedding locations. This seemingly is a big overhaul to the current licence system for ‘approved premises’, albeit the suggestion that “authorisation should be granted for a fixed period, with renewal required and that the regulator should have the power to revoke authorisation where the criteria are no longer being met” in effect means a regulatory system would likely still be in existence in some form.
Other changes would also make it possible for weddings to take place on moving vessels or in open water (currently prohibited) and make it easier for weddings to take place in private homes, subject to robust safeguards to protect those getting married.
The Government highlights the Law Commission estimates that a 3% increase in the number of weddings could generate around £139 million in additional annual spending, contributing over £238 million to the UK economy over the next decade.
The consultation itself can be found here Tying the Knot: Reforming weddings law in England and Wales - GOV.UK
It closes on 24th September and responses should be sent to weddingslawconsultation@justice.gov.uk or Family Justice Policy Team, Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London, SW1H 9AJ