Couples free to marry at the beach or the pub under new plans
BBC News July 2026
Couples in England and Wales will be able to marry at home, at a pub or on a cruise ship, under what the government is calling the biggest shake-up to weddings law in almost 200 years. Currently, a marriage or civil partnership ceremony must take place at an approved venue to be legally binding.
The UK government says it wants to update "outdated" marriage laws to make weddings more affordable and give couples more choice over where they say "I do".
Under the proposals, couples could legally marry almost anywhere - from a castle, to a hot-air balloon, a beach or a cruise ship in international waters - as long as the ceremony location is approved by a registered officiant.
However activities "such as skydiving, white-water rafting, rollercoasters or other amusement rides" would unfortunately not meet the requirements.
Changing times
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said marriage laws in England and Wales had "not kept pace with the social and cultural changes that have shaped modern Britain.
"They say you can't put a price on love – but too often, the cost of weddings puts this commitment out of reach," Lammy said.
"That's why I'm reforming archaic rules, so couples have more freedom to say 'I do' on their own terms, while strengthening safeguards to protect the meaning and permanence of marriage."
Signing the paperwork and consenting to the marriage in the presence of an officiant would be the main legal requirements during a civil ceremony under the plans.
The exact details of the government's reforms will be announced after the consultation ends on 24 September 2026.
The government would need to pass new legislation to make any changes to marriage laws, meaning the reforms probably will not come into effect until next year.
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