Updated July 2026
This article reflects the latest Government consultation on proposed changes to marriage law in England and Wales. As the legislation develops, Weddings By Mary will continue updating this guide, ensuring couples planning a wedding in the UK always have access to the latest information.
If you’ve recently started planning your wedding, you may have seen headlines announcing the biggest proposed reform to wedding law in almost 200 years.
From beach weddings and private gardens to legally recognised Humanist ceremonies, the proposals could significantly reshape how couples marry in England and Wales in the future.
But before you start changing your wedding ceremony plans, here’s the most important thing to know…
Nothing has changed yet.
The Government is consulting on proposed reforms, meaning the current marriage laws remain the same until any new legislation is approved by Parliament.
Wedding Law Reform at a glance
- The changes are proposed, not yet law
- Current marriage laws in England and Wales still apply
- Future reforms could allow much greater freedom over where couples legally marry
- Humanist ceremonies, alongside a wider range of faith ceremonies, could become legally recognised
- There is currently no confirmed implementation date.
How Wedding Laws Have Already Evolved
Whilst the current proposals have attracted considerable attention, wedding law has continued to evolve over the past thirty years.
Having worked as both a wedding venue manager and, for a period of time, as a Registrar, Mary a UK based wedding planner and owner of Weddings By Mary has had the privilege of witnessing many of these changes first-hand.
These current proposals has been spoken about for a great deal of time and feel like a step in the right direction and the gradual evolution of marriage law.
The Progression of Wedding Law in England & Wales
| Year | What Changed? |
| Before 1995 | Civil marriage ceremonies could generally only take place in a Register Office, whilst religious ceremonies were held in churches and other registered places of worship. |
| 1994 | The Marriage Act 1994 allowed civil marriages to take place in approved secular venues such as hotels and country houses. |
| 1 April 1995 | The licensing system for approved wedding venues came into effect. |
| 2005 | Regulations were amended to define a licensed venue as the “built premises together with linked outdoor areas” meaning ceremonies could take place outside under a permanent structure. |
| 29 March 2014 | Same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales, marking a significant milestone in marriage equality. |
| April 2022 | Outdoor civil ceremonies became permanently legal within the grounds of approved venues removing the requirement for permanent structure |
| 2023 | The minimum legal age for marriage increased to 18, helping to end child and forced marriage. |
| July 2026 | The Government launched a consultation proposing further reforms to marriage law. |
| Future (Proposed) | Greater flexibility over ceremony locations and a legal focus on the officiant rather than the venue. |
What could change with the Proposed Marriage Law?
Although nothing has been approved yet, this consultation includes several significant proposals.
1. Greater Choice of Location
Rather than requiring legal weddings to take place at licensed venues, the proposals would place greater responsibility on an authorised officiant.
If introduced, & provided the location meets the legal requirements, couples could potentially marry in places such as:
- Private homes
- Gardens
- Beaches
- Private estates
2. A Wider Choice of Legal Ceremonies
The Government is also proposing that Humanist ceremonies, together with a wider range of faith ceremonies, could become legally recognised.
For many couples, this could remove the need for a separate civil ceremony.
3. The Focus Would Shift from the Venue to the Officiant
One of the biggest changes proposed is that responsibility would move away from approved licensed venues and instead sit with an authorised officiant conducting the ceremony.
The officiant would ensure all legal requirements have been met and that the ceremony takes place in an appropriate setting.
What Does This Mean for Couples Planning Their Wedding Now?
For the moment nothing will change.
If you’re planning your wedding in England (or Wales), continue making your arrangements based on the current legal requirements.
There is presently no confirmed implementation date, and until any legislation is passed, the existing marriage laws in England & Wales will remain the same.
If you’ve already booked your venue or started planning your wedding ceremony, there’s no need to worry or make any changes.
How Does Scotland Marriage Law Differ?
Scotland already operates under a different legal framework for wedding ceremonies.
Rather than focusing on the venue, Scottish law places greater emphasis on who conducts the ceremony. This allows authorised celebrants to legally marry couples in a much wider variety of locations, including beaches, mountains, woodland and private properties.
Much of the proposals now being considered for England and Wales move towards an approach that Scotland has successfully operated for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Proposed New Marriage Laws
Can I legally marry on a beach in England now?
No. Although this forms part of the proposed reforms, the current law has not changed.
Will these changes affect my wedding in 2026?
No. If you’re planning your wedding now, continue following the current legal requirements until any new legislation is introduced.
Can overseas couples benefit from these proposed changes?
Potentially yes. If the reforms become law, overseas couples may have greater flexibility over where and how they legally marry in England or Wales. However, immigration and legal documentation requirements are still expected to apply.
When will the new Wedding laws come into effect?
There is currently no confirmed implementation date for the proposed England and Wales weddings laws. The Government consultation is the first stage of what is likely to be a lengthy legislative process.
Final Thoughts on the Proposed Marriage Law in England & Wales
If these marriage law proposals eventually become law, they could represent one of the most significant changes to weddings in England and Wales for generations.
For future couples, they may offer greater flexibility. With more meaningful ceremony choices and considerably more freedom over where they can legally marry.
For the moment though, they are exactly what they remain Proposals.
Weddings By Mary will continue updating this article as the consultation progresses, ensuring you always have access to the latest guidance.
Planning a wedding is about so much more than understanding the legal requirements. However, having a clear understanding of the current legalities can make the entire wedding planning journey feel far less overwhelming.
If you’d like to learn more about the legalities of marrying in England, Weddings By Mary has also written detailed guides covering:
Can Americans Get Married in England? A quick guide to what you need to know
Can Overseas Couples Get Married in an English Church? Understanding Your Options
Both these articles explore the current legal framework in greater detail for couples looking to marry in the England from overseas. And may answer some of the questions you’re seeking.
UK Based Wedding Planner – Mary Briscoe
Owner & Founder of Weddings By Mary and Celebrations By Mary
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as general guidance only and reflects the legislation and Government guidance available at the time of publication. Marriage laws and individual circumstances can vary. Couples should always refer to the relevant authorities, such as their local Register Office, the Church of England, or GOV.UK, for advice relating to their own circumstances.
