The government has opened a major consultation on proposals to modernise weddings law in England and Wales, marking the most significant overhaul of the system in nearly two centuries. The plans aim to give couples greater freedom over where and how they marry, reduce costs, and ensure the law reflects the diversity of modern life.
The consultation, published on 15 July 2026, sets out reforms that would shift the legal focus from the physical venue to the ceremony itself. Under the proposals, couples could legally marry in a far wider range of locations – from forests, beaches and private gardens to castles, canal boats and cruise ships at sea. The Ministry of Justice says this flexibility would open up more affordable options for couples while supporting the wedding, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Around 470,000 people marry each year in England and Wales, but the current legal framework dates back centuries and restricts where ceremonies can take place. Venue hire alone typically costs around £6,000, contributing to average wedding costs of more than £20,000. Research cited in the consultation shows that half of unmarried men and a third of unmarried women in relationships list cost as a barrier to marriage.
Justice Secretary David Lammy said the reforms would “untangle archaic rules” and ensure couples can “say ‘I do’ on their own terms”, while maintaining strong safeguards to protect the meaning and permanence of marriage. The proposals also seek to create a fairer system for faith and belief groups. At present, some couples must choose between a ceremony that reflects their beliefs and one that provides full legal protection. The new framework would apply consistently across all groups, allowing interfaith couples to combine traditions in a single legally recognised ceremony.
Baroness Levitt KC, Justice Minister, said no one should have to choose between honouring their faith and securing legal rights. She emphasised that weddings are “far more than a legal formality” and that the reforms would ensure ceremonies remain meaningful and robust. Officiants would be required to meet strict standards and assess whether a chosen location is suitable, with powers to deauthorise those who fail to uphold requirements.
The Law Commission estimates that a 3% rise in weddings resulting from the reforms could generate around £139 million in additional annual spending, contributing more than £238 million to the UK economy over the next decade. Industry voices have welcomed the proposals, including Jonathan Hobbs of Hobbs of Henley, who said the changes could provide a vital boost to the passenger boat and hospitality sectors.
The consultation also highlights issues around religious-only marriages, particularly among Muslim couples, where many ceremonies are not legally recognised. The government intends to strengthen protections against forced, predatory and sham marriages through a two-stage verification process, including in-person interviews. Anglican banns of marriage would remain part of the established Church’s practice.
The consultation runs from 16 July to 24 September and invites views from couples, faith groups, celebrants, venues and the wider public on how weddings law should evolve to meet contemporary needs while preserving the significance of marriage.
