16/09/2026
Are you planning to get married? Or do you know someone who is thinking about tying the knot?
Then this is a super exciting time for you both.
Have you given the how and the where some thought yet?
Now here is a thought -
As it stands celebrants are not licenced to marry couples legally -
BUT the government is considering to give the officiant the licence to marry couples not the venue, which means that you could get married anywhere legal, safe and dignified.
Does that sound exciting?
However this is not law yet but it could become law.
Would you want to help change this?
The government is holding a consultation on the wedding law reform and you can help make a more flexible approach possible.
The government is asking anyone to respond to the reform and here is how to:
A. Search online for ‘Tying the Knot consultation’ which will take you to the www.gov.uk page
B. On that page, you can read the whole consultation and you need to click the ‘answer online’ option
C. You can answer as many questions as you like however the one that matters most is Question27: Do you agree to allow independent officiants to conduct legally binding weddings? Tick YES (please!)
D. Add a few sentences in the reasoning box to explain your opinion
Here are some thoughts for you in case you need some inspiration:
* Your own experience of a celebrant-led ceremony, whether as a couple or a guest.
*What made the celebrant led ceremony different
* Why does it matter to you to choose who leads your wedding ceremony
*Would the cost and the logistics of needing two separate ceremonies make a difference
*Wanting to marry somewhere personal rather than an approved and licenced venue
* Would it make a difference if you could have a mixed faith ceremony ?
* Would freedom and flexibility matter to you?
The deadline for the consultation is the 24th of September 2026 12pm
Please share with anyone and everyone, we’d love to have as many voices as possible!
GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.