COUPLES could legally marry in forests, on beaches, at sea or in their gardens under new proposals.
The changes to rules in England and Wales could help cut the costs of weddings and mean two ceremonies are no longer required to cover different faiths, the Government said.
The average wedding in England is estimated to cost more than £20,000, with venue hire alone typically accounting for around £6,000 without catering.
The system as it stands means some couples have two ceremonies – one where they feel their beliefs are best reflected and another making their marriage legal.
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The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said under proposed changes couples could more easily have legally recognised religious ceremonies, and that humanists could be allowed to carry out legally binding weddings for the first time.
Currently venues are licensed for weddings but the plans propose changing that to the celebrant, allowing couples to marry in any location.
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Under the consultation, running from Thursday to September 24, forests, beaches, castles, canal boats and cruise ships at sea could become places to legally marry.
Marrying in a back garden could also become legal, although the MoJ said safeguards would be in place in the form of a two-stage process, including in-person interviews for couples, to protect against forced, predatory and sham marriages.
It has been suggested the reforms could also boost the economy after the Law Commission estimated a 3% increase in the number of weddings could generate around £139 million in additional annual spending, contributing over £238 million 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.”
Justice Minister Baroness Levitt said: “The institution of marriage is a cornerstone of British life and a wedding is far more than a legal formality, it is often one of the most important days of a couple’s life.
“But we know the law isn’t working equally for everyone. No one should have to choose between a ceremony that honours their faith, culture and traditions and one that gives them legal protection.”
