For the first time, weddings can be held on beaches or other outdoor venues due to new changes.
The administration has presented what it called 'the most significant changes to marriage law since the 19th century'.
The changes will also enable non-religious organizations, like humanists, to conduct legally recognized wedding ceremonies.
Individuals from non-Christian religions will be allowed to enter into legally recognized religious marriages without requiring a separate ceremony at the registry office.
Even though outdoor weddings were permitted during the pandemic, after the regulations were eventually made permanent, they had to be held on the property of venues that were authorized for wedding events.
As per the reforms announced on Thursday, couples will be permitted to get married on beaches, in forests, parks, or other outdoor venues.
Services might also be permitted in a broader variety of structures, such as private residences, provided that a consultation process is scheduled to begin next year.
Rather than venues being authorized for weddings, as is the case now, the proposed changes will transfer oversight to the officiants conducting the ceremony.
The Department of Justice stated that these actions could 'create 12,000 jobs and generate more than £100 million for the public treasury' via increased tax income from a larger number of weddings.
It also proposed that marriages would become 'less expensive'.
The family law minister, Baroness Levitt, stated: “Our changes aim to safeguard the seriousness and respect of marriage while offering couples greater options and opening up new economic possibilities.”
Junior minister of the Ministry of Justice, Alex Davies-Jones, stated that it would "allow couples from every background to honor their commitment without old-fashioned limitations standing in the way."
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice stated, "These modifications will ensure that marriage legislation aligns with contemporary Britain, simplifying the process for couples to have legally recognized religious ceremonies—such as those of Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus—and enabling non-religious organizations, like humanist groups, to perform legally binding ceremonies for the first time."
The suggestions are derived from the Law Commission's recommendations released in 2022, and the government plans to seek input on the modifications in the coming year.
The changes, applicable in England and Wales, will necessitate parliamentary approval, making it improbable that they will come into effect for several years.
Officials have not yet specified if they will implement additional suggestions proposed by the Law Commission three years back.
They allowed for the option of conducting a religious ceremony at a location other than a church or place of worship; enabled 'interfaith' marriages that combine aspects from two distinct religions; and permitted 'certain religious elements, like hymns and prayers' during a civil ceremony, which is currently not allowed.
The upcoming consultation paper will provide additional information.
The chief executive of Humanists UK, Andrew Copson, stated that humanist weddings have "undergone constant reviews over the past ten years" and mentioned he was "deeply worried that this essential measure is still a long way off."
Most of the existing marriage laws originate from 1836.
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