Campaigning for Change! Introducing the Give Couples Choice Movement
In this blog, the Give Couples Choice Movement discuss the impact of the ongoing weddings law review and explain how we can all get involved in campaigning for change!
For some years now, many people in the wedding industry have been campaigning for greater choice when it comes to how and where couples may legally marry in England and Wales. Thankfully, a review into these outdated wedding laws was commissioned by the Government in 2018, and since then the Law Commission has produced some excellent recommendations for change. But it’s not a forgone conclusion – the review has not yet reached its final stage, and there is still no guarantee that the Government will accept the recommendations when the time comes.
In response to this, the Give Couples Choice Movement (GCCM) was formed by a group of Independent Celebrant volunteers with the purpose of generating support and enthusiasm from celebrants, couples and wedding industry suppliers to champion fairness and choice for all couples in legal wedding ceremonies. Independent Celebrants are well represented by the Wedding Celebrancy Commission, however couples and the wedding industry will also play a key role in keeping up pressure for a change in the law to take place.
The current, archaic marriage laws in England and Wales largely date back to 1836, so we are delighted that the long overdue Review by the Law Commission is finally taking place. This is very exciting for couples and the wedding industry!
To give some background, the current review by the Law Commission began in 2019 and preliminary proposals on law changes have now been put forward. These have been open to consultation to all interested parties. The consultation period closed in January 2021 and the Law Commission is now working on its final recommendations, which are due to be passed to government in summer 2021.
What are the current legal marriage requirements?
Currently, how and where a legal marriage takes place is subject to very tight restrictions. Couples are required to choose between an Anglican wedding or a civil ceremony conducted by a registrar, who is employed by the local authority, either at a register office or at a licensed secular venue in a designated, licensed area. The civil ceremony is read from an approved script and is very impersonal. Civil ceremonies are also required to be non-religious. There is absolutely no option for a ceremony reflecting a couple’s beliefs.
The current process for legal marriage is also very convoluted; all couples are required to give notice either at an Anglican church or at a register office. Failure to comply with the legal requirements may result in a marriage not being legally recognised. The COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted how inflexible this process is.
What are the Law Commission proposals?
The aim of the review was to modernise and reform the current outdated marriage law to allow couples greater choice within a simple, fair and consistent structure, so they can have a wedding ceremony that is meaningful to them.
The proposals included in The Law Commission consultation paper suggest a new legislative scheme that would update each aspect of the process of getting married. Below, we list the main points from the Law Commission review (in bold), along with the GCCM’s comments on each point (in italic).
- Provide a framework that could allow non-religious belief organisations (such as Humanists) and/or Independent Celebrants to conduct legally binding weddings.
This is fantastic news; celebrants write and deliver bespoke, meaningful ceremonies that are tailor-made to each couple, reflecting their ideas, values and personalities.
All couples should be able to choose an approved celebrant who is right for them, including both Independent Celebrants, Humanists and those belonging to other approved belief organisations to carry out their legal wedding ceremony.
- To allow weddings to take place outdoors, for example on beaches, in parks, in private gardens and on the grounds of current wedding venues.
This is also wonderful news; couples should be able to choose a location for their ceremony that is meaningful to them.
- To allow weddings to take place in a wider variety of buildings (for example private homes) and on cruise ships.
It is so important that couples are able to choose where their wedding ceremony is held and should not be restricted to licensed venues or licensed structures.
- To offer couples greater flexibility over the form their wedding ceremonies will take, enabling them, if they desire, to use a variety of ceremonies (religious and non-religious) to mark their weddings.
All couples deserve the right to choose the content of their ceremony, whether they have a belief, no faith, mixed faiths, spirituality or wish to include cultural traditions.
- Simplify the process and remove unnecessary red tape to make it fair to couples, more efficient, and easier to follow. For example, couples will be able to complete the initial stage of giving notice of their intended wedding online or by post, rather than having to do so in person.
We agree that simplifying and streamlining the procedures are important to provide a fair and accessible marriage process. The pandemic has shown that permitting couples to complete the initial stage of giving notice on line or by post would be extremely beneficial.
- To ensure that fewer weddings conducted according to religious rites result in a marriage that the law does not recognise at all.
It is important that couples are able to choose to have a legal religious wedding.
What happens next and how long will it take?
The responses to the consultation are now being analysed by the Law Commission and they will then publish a report with recommendations to the Government in the second half of 2021. New legislation will then be drafted and will then have to pass through Parliament and the House of Lords.
How long this process takes will greatly depend on the political will at the time and the other issues the country is dealing with. The Government is presently completely focused on dealing with the pandemic, so it is difficult to put an exact timeframe to the new marriage law being passed. However, the general feeling is that it is likely to take a further two years to see a change in the law.
Will change in marriage law in England and Wales definitely happen?
It is recognised and generally accepted that change to marriage law is long overdue and there does not appear to be much political resistance. However, it is possible that proposals may change as a result of the consultation. We sincerely hope this is not the case.
What can we do to support the proposals?
It is time for all couples, celebrants and the wider wedding industry to support the Law Commission proposals and you can do this by getting behind the Give Couples Choice Movement campaign. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
We must keep the momentum going to ensure the change to marriage law is approved, resulting in a simple, fair and consistent legal process that allows couples to have a meaningful legal wedding, in the location of their choice by the approved officiant of their choice.
Make a difference by joining the Give Couples Choice Movement, get involved and make your voice heard!
Exciting times are ahead!
Love the idea of an outdoor wedding ceremony? Browse our directories of outdoor wedding venues, celebrants, marquee suppliers and photographers to begin planning your perfect day.
