THE LAW in Britain is to be amended to grant couples more selection over where they will marry “while ensuring the dignity and integrity of marriage is protected”, the Ministry of Justice said on Thursday.
Believed to be the most important overhaul of marriage law because the nineteenth century, the reforms will allow couples to marry in a wider range of locations, including beaches and castles, provided venues “meet strict standards of being appropriate and dignified”.
The reforms will allow officiants greater autonomy over weddings, shifting regulation away from buildings.
The Ministry of Justice said that the changes will “reflect modern Britain” since, for the primary time, non-religious groups similar to Humanists will probably be permitted to conduct legally binding ceremonies.
It may even be “more straightforward” for couples to decide on to have a legally binding religious ceremony, similar to a Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu wedding.
The Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “Our wedding laws should match our country’s needs. These vital reforms will mean couples from all walks of life can have fun their commitment without outdated restrictions getting in the best way.”
It is anticipated that the changes might boost the economy: the Ministry of Justice estimates that the reforms could open up 12,000 jobs, support 1800 more businesses, and add £535 million to the economy over the subsequent ten years.
The Minister for Family Law, Baroness Levitt KC, said: “Our reforms will protect the solemnity and dignity of marriage while providing more selection for couples and unlocking untapped opportunities for the economy.
“Marriage is certainly one of our country’s most celebrated traditions and our plans will allow couples to have the marriage day of their dreams.”
The Government will undertake a consultation early next yr and the laws to reform marriage law will probably be introduced “when parliamentary time allows”, the Ministry of Justice said.
