Modern Wedding Reform Is Long Overdue

Modern wedding reform. If you’ve ever wondered why a couple can exchange heartfelt vows in a beautiful woodland, a family garden or on a windswept beach, only to discover they must also attend a separate legal ceremony, you’re certainly not alone.

In fact, the current law governing weddings in England and Wales is rooted in legislation that dates back almost 200 years. Society has changed beyond recognition since then. Couples have changed too. However, the law has struggled to keep pace.

That is why I warmly welcome the Government’s consultation on wedding law reform.

For many years, independent celebrants have created deeply personal ceremonies that reflect each couple’s unique love story. Nevertheless, unless the ceremony is conducted within the current legal framework, couples must also arrange a separate legal marriage with a registrar.

As a result, many people pay for two ceremonies when they really only want one.

Surely there’s a better way?

Greater Choice for Modern Couples

The proposals being considered would move away from licensing buildings and instead focus on authorising the person conducting the ceremony. Consequently, couples could enjoy much greater freedom over where they marry, while maintaining the legal safeguards that protect marriage itself.

That could mean exchanging vows in a family garden filled with cherished memories, on a working farm that has been part of the family for generations, beside a favourite river, or in another place that truly reflects who they are as a couple.

Personally, I believe marriage should begin with choice.

Every couple deserves the opportunity to celebrate their commitment in a location that feels meaningful to them and with a celebrant they have chosen because of the relationship they have built together.

After all, your wedding ceremony is one of life’s most significant moments. It should never feel like a legal formality before the “real” celebration begins.

Reform Must Include Proper Safeguards

Importantly, reform is not about removing standards or reducing safeguards. On the contrary, independent celebrants should be appropriately trained, professionally insured and held to clear standards of conduct.

Those safeguards give couples confidence while allowing them far greater flexibility than the current system provides.

The Law Commission has already carried out extensive work examining how wedding law could better reflect modern society. Now the Government is inviting couples, celebrants, registrars, faith groups and the wider public to share their views before deciding the next steps.

This consultation represents a genuine opportunity to modernise wedding law for future generations.

Whether you’re recently engaged, planning a wedding for the future or simply believe that people should have greater freedom over one of the most important days of their lives, now is the time to have your say.

I sincerely hope these reforms move forward.

As an independent celebrant, I look forward to the day when couples can enjoy one beautiful, meaningful ceremony that is both personal and legally recognised.

That would not only simplify the process but also give every couple the freedom to marry in a place that truly matters to them.

Have Your Say – Every Voice Matters

One of the things I value most as an independent celebrant is listening to people’s stories. Now, the Government is asking us to share our views on the future of weddings in England and Wales.

Whether you’re planning your own wedding, you’ve been married for years, you work within the wedding industry, or you simply believe couples should have greater freedom over how they marry, your opinion matters.

The consultation is open to everyone, not just wedding professionals. The more people who take the opportunity to respond, the stronger the message that modern couples deserve a wedding law that reflects the way we live today.

If, like me, you believe that independent celebrants should be able to conduct legally recognised weddings, and that couples should be free to marry in meaningful places rather than being restricted by outdated legislation, I encourage you to make your voice heard.

The consultation is open until 24 September 2026, but there’s no need to wait.

It only takes a few minutes to make a difference.

Wedding law has served England and Wales for generations, but society has changed. This consultation gives all of us a rare opportunity to help shape a system that offers couples more choice, greater flexibility and a ceremony that truly reflects who they are.

I know what my response will say.

I hope you’ll take a few moments to send yours too.

Helen Borking Celebrant
‘The right words, when they matter the most’