Reforming weddings law in England and Wales

On Thursday, in reply to a debate in Westminster Hall initiated by David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, Con), the Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, said that “last year the Government announced the biggest overhaul of weddings law in England and Wales since the 19th century”:

“Our reforms focus on two key areas ripe for change. First, the law will move away from regulating the building in which a wedding takes place, and instead focus on the officiant responsible for conducting the ceremony. That will make it easier for people to get married in a variety of settings, giving them flexibility and choice. Secondly, we will introduce a single set of rules governing all weddings, with the exception of retaining Anglican preliminaries. That will enable many more couples to have ceremonies that reflect their values and beliefs.”

She reiterated that the Government is to publish a consultation early this year: Continue reading →