Marry outdoors from July

OUTDOOR weddings will be given the green light next month in England and Wales, in a boost for couples and businesses hit hard by lockdowns.

Laws for approved premises, such as hotels, currently require wedding and partnership ceremonies to take place in an approved room or permanent structure.

But from July 1 such venues will be able to host the whole event outside under the move to legalise outdoor civil ceremonies.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: “A couple’s wedding day is one of the most special times in their lives and this change will allow them to celebrate it the way that they want. At the same time, this step will support the marriage sector by providing greater choice and help venues to meet demand for larger ceremonies.”

The change will benefit almost three-quarters of all weddings in England and Wales that are non-religious and take place on approved premises, as well as civil partnerships, according to the Government.

Meanwhile, the 30-person cap for weddings in England will be lifted from today.