Couples could tie the knot on ships, military sites and in other outdoor locations, if current regulations are reformed. The Commission’s review of wedding law, which it began in July, will consider who can solemnise a marriage and will look at a potential scheme for non-religious belief organisations and independent celebrants. However, any policy consideration on which new groups should be allowed to conduct legally binding weddings will be left to government.
The review will also cover whether specific vows should be required during a ceremony, how marriages should be registered, and the consequences for non-compliance with any requirements.
Much of the current law dates from 1836.
Law Commissioner Nick Hopkins said the project ‘aims to bring the 19th century law up to date and make it more flexible, giving couples greater choice so they can marry in a way that is meaningful to them’.
