The Weddings Law reform recommended by the Law Commission in 2022 finally, the Government announced on 2 October 2025 that will allow couples to have more freedom to choose locations for their ceremonies, provided an approved celebrant oversees the marriage. This change will make it easier for couples to have a wedding venue that reflects their values, beliefs and relationships. It also allows Humanist weddings to be legally binding in England and Wales for the first time.
For non-religious couples who want a ceremony that truly reflects their outlook, the reforms are significant. This attempts to address the inequality gap among many other faith communities and an opportunity for their ceremonies to be recognised in law. These reforms will address the cultural and diversity community in England and Wales. It will enable couples to marry with greater choice and provide legal protection when seeking financial remedies and inheritance.
Reforms Providing Choice
At present, under the current legislatio, the Marriage Act 1949, marriage must be performed at licensed premises, restricting couples to legally marry. Under the new reforms, couples will have far more freedom to choose locations for their ceremonies, provided an approved celebrant oversees the marriage.
The Importance of the Reforms
These reforms will assist to strengthen the legal status of marriages especially couples who do not undertake Church ceremonies. It will also avail more protection on separation and divorce.
Implications for Family Law Practitioners
For family law practitioners, the Weddings Law reform is a huge success. In recent years, many cases have arisen from couples assuming their religious-only ceremony was legally binding when it was not. This has often left one partner without financial protection on separation and has caused hardship.
Family law practitioners will see a shift in the paradigm of cases, with more couples celebrating their religious and non-religious ceremonies. This may also reduce some of the challenges that arise in disputes between cohabiting partners whose rights are far more limited than those in legally recognised marriages..
The Future of new Legislation
The reforms follow recommendations by the Law Commission in 2022, which called for equality and an inclusive approach to marriage. The Government has confirmed that a consultation will take place in early 2026 before legislation is introduced to Parliament. The timeframe for new laws depends on parliamentary scheduling, the announcement signals political intent to push forward with these changes.
For family law practitioners, it is a time to reflect and prepare for new legal changes that are likely to be more reflective of a plural society.
New Marriage Laws in England and Wales
The Weddings Law reform seeks that marriages should reflect the diverse ways people choose to celebrate their commitments and faith beliefs. By extending freedom of choice while safeguarding the solemnity of marriage, the reforms seek to create an unbiased process that will bring inclusivity and provide protection.
For families across England and Wales, this is a moment of historic change. For the first time in centuries, the law on marriage is being rewritten to meet the needs of a diverse and a plural society.
