English Law Commission Proposes Overhaul of Outdated Wedding Laws

The Law Commission of England and Wales has released a report recommending many changes to the laws governing the celebration of weddings.

Among other things, it would allow for a much wider range of locations for couples to get married. This would include gardens, beaches, forests, parks, village halls and cruise ships.

The changes would also allow for more personalised vows, rituals and songs chosen. In addition, the recommendations would ensure fairer treatment for all beliefs, removing the anomalies of the current system, where different religions are bound by a multitude of different rules. 

Key parts of English wedding laws date back to 1836 or even earlier. 

The Commission states that the changes proposed would bring England and Wales in line with laws in other places including those  in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Australia.