12/08/2026
A New Chapter for Weddings? Have Your Say
Government consultation could transform the way couples get married in England and Wales
At the moment, when it comes to legally recognised weddings, it is the building or venue that is licensed for marriages, rather than the person conducting the ceremony.
The Government is now consulting on proposals that could change this — with the focus shifting from licensing the premises to licensing the officiant conducting the marriage.
As an independent celebrant, I believe this could be a really exciting development for couples planning their wedding.
Under the proposed changes, an independent celebrant, such as myself, could create a beautiful, personal ceremony for a couple that would also be their legal marriage. Most importantly, couples would no longer necessarily have to hold their legal ceremony inside a venue that has a marriage licence.
Instead, the location could truly reflect who they are and what matters to them.
Imagine getting married in your own garden, surrounded by family and friends, in a woodland setting, at a village hall, on a beach, or somewhere else that has special meaning to you. The possibilities could be almost endless.
Of course, this would not mean that just anyone could conduct a legal marriage. Celebrants would need to meet strict requirements and undertake appropriate training to ensure that marriages are conducted properly and in accordance with the law. After all, marriage is a very serious legal commitment and must be treated with the importance it deserves.
However, we are only at the consultation stage. For these proposals to have the potential to become law, the Government needs to hear what the public thinks.
So, if you have five minutes to spare, please consider taking part in the consultation and sharing your views.
https://consult.justice.gov.uk/family-justice/reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales/consultation/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTpXFZwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5uyQIbi2uSqJQ1tMDLM58aIFQrT0EKb3Xq2fnX8ECXssx1zXwAq8DcNzRyiA_aem_KS8J-M0LGk2Bp7NglAWbIQ
If you're short on time, you can simply complete the sections asking who you are and then go straight to Question 6.
Your response could help shape the future of weddings in this country — and potentially give couples much greater freedom to choose where, how and with whom they celebrate one of the most important days of their lives.