The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has published its consultation on outdoor weddings proposing that the temporary authorisation on outdoor weddings be made permanent. In addition, they also propose that outdoor weddings take place in the grounds of places of worship that are already used for ceremonies. This is not the same as the Law Commission report which has been delayed to the Summer.
The MOJ invites people to respond to the consultation by 24th January so time is of the essence! The survey is a series of short questions about how the proposals could affect you and your couples. You only need to answer those that are relevant to you particularly those in the Proposed outdoor civil marriages and civil partnerships statutory instrument section.
The survey will take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete.
You may also wish to share these details with your couples and the venues where you work.
Wedding ceremonies by celebrants – many of which take place outdoors anyway – are still not legally recognised, meaning that couples still have to book a register office ceremony. They will still need to have two ceremonies.
Again, we encourage you to take the time to complete the consultation survey immediately as the consultation closes on 24th January.
If we each take time to do so, the MOJ will hopefully take note that celebrants must be included in reform alongside registrars and faith-based leaders.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
Photographer: Ariele Chapman Photography