Wedding Law Reform: How England & Wales Are Catching Up with Scotland — and What It Means for Couples

 Why Change Was Needed

Under the current Marriage Act 1949, couples in England and Wales can only marry in a licensed building — a church, chapel, register office or “approved premises” such as a hotel. Even outdoor weddings are only allowed if the licensed area covers the specific space (like a terrace or garden).

That system, based on the place rather than the person conducting the ceremony, has long been criticised as outdated, confusing, and unfair.

• Humanist couples must often hold two ceremonies — one symbolic, one legal.
• Different faith groups face inconsistent recognition.
• Venues must navigate costly, rigid licensing rules.
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The Law Commission’s 2022 review called for sweeping reform. The government’s response, announced in 2024, confirmed that change is on the way — focused on freedom, fairness and simplicity.

What the Reform Will Do

The upcoming wedding law reform aims to modernise marriage in England and Wales by:

• Allowing weddings almost anywhere, not just licensed buildings — including beaches, gardens, private homes, and historic sites, as long as the location is “safe and dignified.”
• Recognising a wider range of officiants, shifting the focus from the venue to the person conducting the ceremony.
• Giving equal legal standing to belief-based groups such as Humanists.
• Simplifying the process to reduce bureaucracy and cost for couples.

It’s a system that puts personal meaning and inclusivity ahead of rigid formality — and it’s one that Scotland has already mastered.

Scotland: The Model for Reform

In Scotland, couples have long enjoyed far greater flexibility. Since the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977, the law has focused on who conducts the wedding, not where it takes place.

That means Scottish couples can marry almost anywhere — in a castle, on a hilltop, or in their own back garden — provided the officiant is authorised and the setting is appropriate. In 2005, Humanist ceremonies became legally recognised, making Scotland one of the most inclusive wedding destinations in Europe.

The results speak for themselves:

• Thousands of couples from England travel north each year for personal, legally binding Humanist weddings.
• Scotland now hosts more Humanist weddings than religious ones — a sign of how demand for personalised, non-religious ceremonies has grown.
• The wedding sector has flourished, boosting local economies and tourism.

In many ways, England and Wales are simply following Scotland’s lead — and finally modernising laws to reflect the diverse ways people now choose to celebrate love.

Northern Ireland: Still Behind the Curve

Northern Ireland remains closer to the old English model. Until a 2020 High Court ruling, Humanist ceremonies weren’t legally recognised at all. Even now, the system hasn’t been formally updated in law, and many officiants still face uncertainty over their legal status.

Venue restrictions are also tighter, meaning outdoor and personalised ceremonies are far less common. Campaigners continue to call for UK-wide consistency — so that a couple in Belfast has the same freedom as one in Edinburgh or London.

What This Means for Couples in England & Wales

For couples planning their weddings over the next few years, the reform promises real benefits — but it’s not law yet and unlikely to come into force until after 2026.