Wedding law changes explained

For many couples, choosing where to get married is one of the biggest decisions they’ll make while planning their wedding. Whether you’ve always pictured saying “I do” beside the sea, beneath the trees or somewhere with special meaning to your relationship, your choice of venue plays a huge part in creating a memorable day. Now, proposed changes to wedding law in England and Wales could make those dreams more achievable.

The Government is consulting on reforms that would modernise how weddings are legally conducted, potentially allowing couples to marry in a much wider range of locations than is currently possible. While the proposals are still under consultation and no changes have yet been confirmed, they could represent one of the biggest updates to wedding ceremonies in generations.

At the time of writing, the Ministry of Justice’s public consultation on the proposals is open until 24 September 2026.

Key takeaways

• Proposed changes to wedding law could give couples in England and Wales more freedom over where they legally marry.
• Beaches, woodlands, private gardens and other unique locations could become legal wedding venues if the reforms are introduced.
• The proposals aim to modernise wedding laws that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
• While greater venue choice may help some couples manage their wedding budget, the reforms have not yet become law.
• Whatever your wedding plans, creating a realistic budget early can help you make informed financial decisions.
  
  

What are the proposed wedding law changes?

At the moment, most legal weddings in England and Wales must take place in approved venues, such as register offices, licensed hotels or other authorised premises.

The proposed reforms would move towards a more flexible system, placing greater emphasis on the person conducting the ceremony rather than the building itself. In practice, this could allow many more locations to become suitable for legal weddings, provided certain legal requirements are met.

    
The proposals are currently part of a Government consultation, so the final details could still change before any new legislation is introduced.

Why are wedding laws being reviewed?

Wedding laws in England and Wales have developed gradually over many decades, with some elements dating back hundreds of years. The Government believes the current system no longer reflects how many couples want to celebrate their marriage today.

The proposed reforms aim to make the system:

• More flexible
• Easier to understand
• Fairer for different beliefs and traditions
• Better suited to modern weddings

Ultimately, the intention is to give couples greater freedom to personalise their ceremony while maintaining the legal safeguards required for a valid marriage.

Where could couples get married?

If the reforms are introduced, couples could have far more choice when deciding where to hold their legal ceremony.

Possible locations could include:

• Beaches
• Woodland settings
• Private gardens
• Historic estates
• Canal boats
• Countryside venues
• Family homes (subject to the final rules)
• Other meaningful outdoor locations

Of course, greater flexibility doesn’t mean every location would automatically be suitable. Depending on the venue, couples may still need permission from landowners or local authorities, and practical considerations such as accessibility, safety and weather would all remain important factors.

Could the changes affect wedding costs?

According to Hitched’s National Wedding Survey, the average UK wedding now costs around £21,990, with venue hire often representing one of the largest expenses.

Greater flexibility could give couples more options when balancing their dream wedding with their budget, although there’s no guarantee that alternative venues would be cheaper. The proposed reforms are designed to provide greater flexibility, rather than reduce wedding costs.

For example, some couples may choose a meaningful outdoor location instead of a traditional venue, while others may simply appreciate having a wider choice of settings that better suit their priorities. However, it’s worth remembering that unique doesn’t always mean cheaper.

Depending on the location, additional costs could include:

• Temporary structures such as marquees
• Seating and furniture hire
• Transport
• Catering logistics
• Toilet facilities
• Insurance
• Permits or permissions
• Contingency plans for poor weather

When comparing venues, it’s important to look beyond the headline price and consider the overall cost of making the location work for your day.

Five tips for planning your wedding budget

Whatever happens with the proposed reforms, careful budgeting remains one of the best ways to reduce financial pressure while planning your wedding.

The bottom line

The proposed wedding law reforms could transform how couples celebrate their marriage, giving people greater freedom to choose a location that reflects their personalities and relationship.

While the changes aren’t yet confirmed, they represent an important step towards making weddings more flexible, inclusive and reflective of how couples choose to celebrate today.

Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony on the coast, in the countryside or somewhere that holds special memories, it’s worth keeping an eye on how the proposals develop. In the meantime, careful planning and a realistic budget can help ensure your wedding is memorable for all the right reasons.

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