Couples free to marry at the beach or the pub under new plans
The UK government is proposing a major overhaul of marriage laws to allow ceremonies in non-traditional venues like homes, pubs, and cruise ships. The plans include a 'dignity framework' to prevent gimmicky ceremonies while potentially allowing more religious content and non-religious officiants.
Why it matters
This represents the most significant change to marriage legislation in nearly two centuries, reflecting shifting social norms regarding secularism and personal choice.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Weddings could be held almost anywhere, under the proposals
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The UK government says it wants to update "outdated" marriage laws to make weddings more affordable and give couples more choice over where they say "I do".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.
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