Under UK laws, legal weddings or civil partnership ceremonies previously had to take place in approved premises, such as a hotel, and an approved room or permanent structure for the couple to say their vows or outdoors within a permanent structure such as a bandstand.
But during the coronavirus pandemic, temporary measures were introduced to make outdoor weddings legal in an effort to help the wedding sector, giving couples more flexibility and safety in the course of the pandemic.
After being trialled the last few years and with overwhelming support backing the permanent legalisation of outdoor weddings and civil partnerships, the legislation will now become legally permanent in England and Wales. This gives couples more choices and accessibility since outside venues can be included in their options indefinitely.
The government consultation found that 96% of people backed making outdoor civil weddings and partnerships permanent, while 93% supported extending it to religious weddings.
From April, new legislation will legalise outdoor civil weddings and partnerships forever and changes to religious ceremonies will also be made in due course after the government consultation found every faith group supported the move.
Justice Minister Tom Pursglove said: “A wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life and it is right that couples should have greater choice in how they celebrate their special occasion.
“These reforms will allow couples to hold more personalised ceremonies and provide a welcome boost for the wedding sector.”
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