Government Launches Major Consultation on Wedding Law Reform
Today, Thursday 16th July 2026, the UK Government has announced the biggest proposed changes to wedding law in almost 200 years, launching a public consultation that could transform where and how couples marry in England and Wales.
Click here to read the Article on the Government website
The proposals would move away from the current venue-based system, allowing legally recognised weddings to take place in a much wider range of locations, including beaches, forests, castles, canal boats and even cruise ships at sea. The aim is to give couples greater freedom to create ceremonies that reflect their personalities, beliefs and traditions, while also helping to reduce the overall cost of getting married.
The reforms also seek to create a fairer legal framework for all faiths and belief groups, allowing greater flexibility for interfaith and personalised ceremonies without sacrificing legal protections. Alongside this increased freedom, officiants would be required to meet robust standards and would be responsible for ensuring ceremonies are conducted lawfully and at suitable locations.
The Government believes these changes could not only make marriage more accessible for couples but also provide a significant boost to the UK's wedding, tourism and hospitality sectors, with the potential to generate millions of pounds in additional economic activity.
For professional celebrants, this consultation represents another significant step in the ongoing conversation about modernising marriage law and recognising the important role that trained, authorised officiants could play in the future of legally recognised ceremonies. The consultation is now open, with the Government inviting views on these landmark proposals before any legislation is introduced.
Your Voice Matters:
Help Shape the Future of Marriage in England and Wales
This is one of the most significant moments for professional celebrants in generations.
The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to modernise marriage law in England and Wales. If adopted, these reforms could fundamentally change where couples can legally marry and who is authorised to conduct those ceremonies.
For years, celebrants have championed greater choice for couples, the freedom to marry in meaningful locations, and the recognition of personalised ceremonies. Now, we have an opportunity to help shape what happens next.
But change will only happen if those working within our profession make their voices heard.
Whether you're an experienced celebrant, newly trained, or simply passionate about giving couples the very best ceremony experience, your views matter. Government needs to hear from the people who understand ceremonies, know what couples want, and appreciate the importance of professionalism, training and high standards.
We encourage you to take the time to read the consultation and submit your own response
When responding, you may wish to consider:
• Supporting greater choice for couples over where they marry.
• The importance of recognising professional independent celebrants.
• The need for robust standards, training and accountability for authorised officiants.
• Ensuring couples remain free to choose the officiant who is right for them.
• Creating a fair and inclusive legal framework for all faiths, beliefs and non-religious ceremonies.
This is not about responding on behalf of any organisation. It is about sharing your own professional experience and helping shape the future of celebrancy.
Opportunities like this are rare.
If we want to see meaningful reform, we all have a part to play.
Please take a few minutes to complete the consultation and encourage your celebrant colleagues to do the same.
Together, we can help create a modern marriage system that puts couples first while recognising the professionalism and value of independent celebrants.
Blog post: Celebrant Circle
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