Couples in England and Wales could be allowed to marry on beaches, in forests, aboard canal boars and on cruise ships under proposed changes to wedding laws.
The government has launched a consultation on what it says would be the biggest overhaul of marriage laws in almost 200 years, shifting the legal focus from licensed buildings to authorised officiants.
If the changes become law, weddings could be held in more locations – including castles and cruise ships – provided an authorised officiant considers the site suitable.
Ministers say the plans could make weddings cheaper by increasing the number of venues available. The average wedding in England costs more than £20,000 with venue hire accounting for around £6,000.
The plans would also allow faith and belief groups more flexibility. Some couples have to hold separate legal and religious ceremonies because the law doesn’t recognise the service that reflects their belief.
Officiants would be responsible for ensuring ceremonies meet legal requirements and venues are appropriate. Those who fail to meet the required standards could lose their authorisation.
The consultation follows recommendations made by the Law Commission, which estimated a 3% increase in weddings could generate around £139m in extra annual spending and contribute more than £238m to the UK economy over the next decade.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy said: ‘They say you can’t put a price on love – but too often, the cost of weddings puts this commitment out of reach.
‘That’s why I’m reforming archaic rules, so couples have more freedom to say ‘I do’ on their own terms, while strengthening safeguards to protect the meaning and permanence of marriage.’
The proposals have also been welcomed by passenger boat operators, who say existing rules have prevented them from hosting wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Jonathan Hobbs, Managing Director of Hobbs of Henley, said: ‘We welcome this proposed changed of law as our Wedding business has declined for the last twenty years as organisers have wanted a one stop shop venue where the service and reception take place together.
‘The amount of wedding business we have lost over this period when the organisers realise the service can’t take place aboard is considerable.’
Image: Sandy Millar/UnSplash
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