Update on U.K. Wedding Law Reform:
- celebrantcircle
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
(Why it matters for all Professional Celebrants)
For many years, Professional Celebrants across the United Kingdom have been advocating for fairer, more flexible wedding laws. With the Law Commission’s proposed reforms now under government review, we could be approaching one of the most significant shifts in marriage law in over 150 years. The conversation around marriage law reform has finally reached the heart of government.
What’s the Current Situation?
Right now, the legal framework governing marriages in England and Wales is outdated, complex, and – many would argue – unjust. Independent celebrants can create deeply personal and meaningful ceremonies for couples however we cannot legally marry couples. As the current law stands, only ceremonies held in a licensed venue and conducted by a registrar or religious official, are legally binding.
This means couples often have to hold two ceremonies: a legal one (typically at a Register Office) and a celebrant-led one, which has no legal standing. Scotland and Northern Ireland already allow some independent celebrants to conduct legally binding marriages, however in England and Wales celebrants are actively campaigning to be granted the same standing.
What Does the Law Commission Propose?
The Law Commission published its final report on wedding law reform in July 2022, recommending a shift from the current building-based system (where marriages are legally recognised only if held in licensed venues) to a person-based system – where the focus is on who conducts the ceremony, not where it takes place.
The key recommendations include:
Legal recognition of independent celebrants to conduct marriages.
Greater freedom of location – including outdoor, private, and unlicensed venues.
Simplified notice-giving and registration processes.
Clear rules on ceremony content to ensure legal validity, regardless of belief system.
These changes would make the law more inclusive and reflective of modern society.
What Stage Are We At?
As of mid-2025, the UK Government is still reviewing the Law Commission’s proposals. While no legislation has been passed yet, momentum is building – and celebrants, couples, and campaign groups continue to push for reform.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed it is “carefully considering” the recommendations. With increasing media attention and public support, legislation is expected to follow in the coming years.
Why It Matters for Celebrants?
If these reforms are adopted, it would mark a monumental shift for celebrants in England and Wales:
Legal recognition would allow us to offer a complete wedding experience, not just a ceremonial one
Increased demand from couples who want bespoke weddings with legal standing
Professional validation of celebrancy as a legitimate and integral part of the wedding industry
Freedom to work in more diverse settings – gardens, beaches, family homes, and beyond
But it would also bring new responsibilities, including:
Clear understanding of legal requirements for marriage ceremonies
Registration and potential licensing
Ongoing professional development and possibly regulation
How Can Celebrants Prepare?
While we await legislative change, celebrants can:
Stay informed – follow updates from the Law Commission and celebrant associations
Support campaigns – sign petitions, write to MPs, and share your voice
Educate couples – help them understand the current system and what’s on the horizon
Upskill – develop your knowledge of legal ceremony structure, diversity and inclusion, and professional standards
Wedding law reform in the UK isn’t just a legal technicality – it’s a cultural milestone!
For Professional Celebrants, it could mean the chance to fully step into our rightful role: Creating, conducting, and legally solemnising marriages and wedding ceremonies that reflect the values, identities, and stories of modern couples.
The tide is turning – and as celebrants, we need to be ready!
Here at the Celebrant Circle we are watching developments carefully and will continue to keep our members and students regularly updated and informed as soon as they are announced.
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