Outdoor wedding ban to be dropped

COUPLES will be able to get married outdoors for the first time from next month in a major rule change unveiled today.

The Government says that from July 1, outdoor wedding and civil partnership ceremonies will be legal in England and Wales.

The change initially applies only to weddings conducted by registrars, but officials signalled that further changes for church and other religious ceremonies could follow next year.

The move has been billed as a piece of good news for a wedding industry hard hit by lockdown. Although the rule limiting wedding parties to no more than 30 people will be dropped from tomorrow, restrictions on singing and dancing remain.

The signing of the register in weddings and civil partnership must currently take place within approved, permanent structures in premises licensed to hold such ceremonies, such as hotels. But from July 1, couples will be able to have the whole ceremony outside at approved venues.

This change is designed to give more options to couples and will have a public health benefit, as the spread of Covid is hugely reduced outdoors.

Last night, Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland said: ‘A couple’s wedding day is one of the most special times i n 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 helping venues to meet demand for larger ceremonies.’

The Government made a pledge in 2019 to legalise outdoor ceremonies.

A Law Commission report l ater this year will present options for further reforms to be considered by Ministers.