If you’re planning your wedding and have always dreamed of getting married on a beach, in a woodland, in your own garden or somewhere that is special to you, exciting changes could be on the horizon.

The UK Government has launched a public consultation on the biggest proposed reform of wedding law in England and Wales for almost 200 years. While nothing has changed yet, these proposals could completely transform where couples can legally marry and who can conduct their ceremony.

What Is the Government Proposing?

The current wedding laws are based on legislation dating back to the 1800s. Over the years, the way couples choose to celebrate their marriage has changed considerably, but the law has remained largely the same.

The Government believes the current system is too restrictive and wants to modernise wedding law so that it better reflects the needs and expectations of today’s couples.

One of the biggest proposed changes is moving away from licensing venues and instead authorising the officiant conducting the marriage.

Could You Legally Marry Almost Anywhere?

If these proposals eventually become law, couples could have much greater freedom over where they marry.

Possible locations could include:

• Beaches
• Woodlands
• Private gardens
• Castles
• Country estates
• Canal boats
• Cruise ships
• Many other meaningful locations

Rather than asking whether a venue is licensed, the focus would be on whether the authorised officiant is able to conduct the legal marriage safely and appropriately.

For many couples, this could create far more opportunities to design a wedding that reflects their personalities and their relationship.

Could Weddings Become More Affordable?

The Government also hopes these reforms will help reduce the cost of getting married.

With the average UK wedding now costing more than £20,000, many couples find that venue hire represents one of the biggest expenses.

Greater flexibility over wedding locations could allow couples to choose venues that suit both their vision and their budget.

What Does This Mean for Couples?

If these proposals become law, couples could enjoy much greater freedom when planning their wedding day.

Instead of choosing a venue simply because it is licensed, you may be able to choose somewhere that holds genuine personal meaning, whether that is a family garden, a favourite countryside location or somewhere connected to your relationship.

This would allow your ceremony to become even more personal and memorable.

Has the Law Changed?

No.

At the moment these are only proposals.

The Government consultation runs until 24 September 2026, after which responses will be reviewed before any legislation is introduced. Any changes would still need to be approved by Parliament before becoming law.

My Thoughts as a Civil Celebrant

As an independent civil celebrant, I welcome anything that gives couples greater choice while preserving the dignity and significance of marriage.

Every couple deserves a ceremony that reflects their story, their values and the people they love. If these proposals become law, they could provide even more opportunities to create truly personal wedding ceremonies in locations that are meaningful to each couple.

I will continue to follow these proposals closely and share updates as the consultation progresses.

Wedding Law Reform Could Change Weddings Forever

Wedding law reform could represent the biggest change to weddings in England and Wales for generations. Although nothing has changed yet, the proposals show a clear desire to modernise the legal marriage process and provide couples with greater flexibility.

If you are planning your wedding, this is certainly a consultation worth watching.

For further information on the full statement released on July 16th 2026 please click here.

For more information about me and the services I offer, please take a look at my About Jon Matson-Higgins page and my Wedding Celebrant page.

If you would like to talk things through, ask a question, or discuss your plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via my contact page.

The information given in this blog is for information only

Written by Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant based in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland and Northamptonshire