Couples free to marry at the beach or the pub under new plans
BBC News 2026-07-16 15:50:35
Context: The UK government is planning to reform marriage laws in England and Wales, allowing couples to marry in a wider range of locations, including at home, in a pub, or on a beach. The proposed changes aim to make weddings more affordable and give couples more choice over where they get married. The reforms, which are open for consultation until September 24, would update what the government describes as "outdated" marriage laws.
Key Facts
- The UK government proposes to allow couples to marry almost anywhere in England and Wales, as long as the ceremony location is approved by a registered officiant, with options including castles, hot-air balloons, beaches, and cruise ships in international waters.
- The current restrictions on religious content in civil ceremonies could be relaxed, allowing couples to include elements such as Bible readings, and non-religious belief organisations, including Humanists, would be allowed to conduct legally binding weddings.
- Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stated that marriage laws in England and Wales had "not kept pace with the social and cultural changes that have shaped modern Britain" and that the reforms would help make weddings more affordable.
- The average UK wedding now costs £21,990, with the most expensive marriages in London and south-east England, according to a report by Hitched earlier this year.
- The government would need to pass new legislation to make any changes to marriage laws, meaning the reforms probably will not come into effect until next year, after the consultation ends on September 24.