What the wedding reform means for future weddings

With ‘engagement season’ kicking off from the 01st November, many couples will be starting to plan their weddings – but could their big day look very different under proposed marriage law reforms?

Around 40% of UK engagements reportedly take place between the 01st November and 14th February, with December as the single most popular month, accounting for up to 26% of proposals. With a decision on the proposed reforms expected in late 2027, couples could eventually have greater freedom over where and how they marry, from tree houses and boats to theme parks and private homes.

Josie Kirk, Senior Associate Solicitor in the Family team at Blacks Solicitors LLP shares her expert opinion on what the changes are and what these mean for future weddings.

1. What are the proposed changes?

“The Government’s proposed wedding law reforms aim to make marriage more accessible, affordable and reflective of modern life, at a time when fewer people are choosing to marry and the cost of weddings continues to rise.

“In 2025, the proportion of adults in England and Wales who were married or civil partnered has continued to fall. This comes as the Government estimates that the average wedding now costs more than £20,000.”

Modernising venues and legal safeguards for future ceremonies

2. What will this mean for couples? 

“The aim of the reforms is to modernise the law so couples have more freedom over how and where they marry, whilst making it easier for different types of ceremonies to be legally recognised. Currently, civil weddings generally have to take place in a registry office or an approved venue, while religious weddings are subject to different rules around registered places of worship. 

“The proposed changes would give couples much greater freedom over where and how they marry, potentially allowing weddings in private homes, boats, beaches and other meaningful locations – with the Government even suggesting that a tethered hot-air balloon or busy public beach could be possible with careful consideration. The key safeguard would be the officiant’s legal duty to uphold the seriousness and dignity of marriage, including deciding whether the chosen setting and ceremony are appropriate.

“Some requirements would remain, including giving notice in advance, having an authorised officiant and two witnesses. Safeguards must remain essential to ensure that both parties are freely consenting to the marriage. 

“The reforms would also allow Humanists and other non-religious belief organisations to conduct legally binding weddings for the first time, potentially removing the cost and need for a separate legal ceremony alongside a celebration that reflects a couple’s beliefs and relationship.”

3. How can couples protect themselves legally, whatever kind of wedding they choose?

"A wedding is a day, but marriage is a lasting legal and financial partnership, and that's where the protection comes from. A legally valid marriage brings inheritance rights, certain tax benefits and access to financial remedies if the relationship ends. However, couples who have not had legally recognisable ceremonies are left without these protections. The reforms aim to reduce this, but always check that the ceremony will be legally recognised.”

For more information, please visit: Blacks Solicitors.