GCCM Launches Policy Paper On UK Wedding Law Reform

We are delighted to announce that this week the Give Couples Choice Movement (GCCM) has launched a policy paper on UK wedding law reform, entitled: Reforming Weddings Law to Give Couples Choice: The case for including independent celebrants in wedding law reform. Aimed at MPs, the paper clearly explains the current situation with wedding law reform and makes an evidence-based case for why independent celebrants must be included as authorised officiants under the reformed law. 

This paper has the support and backing of several celebrant organisations, demonstrating that we are ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’ when it comes to the message we put out. Many thanks for the input and support we have received from the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, Celebrant Guild, Fellowship of Independent Celebrants, Celebrant Circle, Civil Celebrant Connection and the Celebrants Collective. 

Key Points In The Paper 

Our policy paper begins by explaining the background of UK wedding law reform – why the review was commissioned and why reform matters. It then explains the current situation – the government announcement in October 2025 that it will reform the law, and that a public consultation on the detail will be launched in early 2026. 

The paper goes on to make a structured case for why independent celebrants should be included under the proposed new scheme. We explain the current demand for independent celebrants (backed by data) and the high level of training and professionalism that independent celebrants have. We then provide an evidence-based response to some of the common concerns and misconceptions that exist, and look at precedents in other jurisdictions where independent celebrants are already authorised (e.g. Jersey and Australia). 

Finally, we explain how this would work in practice, based entirely on the proposals made by the Law Commission for how the new law could accommodate independent celebrants under regulation from the General Register Office. 

What Can Celebrants Do To Support Wedding Law Reform? 

The next step is for all celebrants who support reform to send this paper to their MPs, along with a covering email asking for a meeting to discuss the importance of this matter. You can find guidance on how to contact your MP on the GCCM website.

We would also urge celebrants to share this with the couples they work with, asking for their active support. Couples are our biggest advocates for this change – they know why they chose an independent celebrant, and would surely be delighted if their chosen celebrant was able to legally marry them. We can’t promise couples a law change in time for their wedding (there is still a long road ahead), but we can ask for their support for the benefit of all couples like them getting married in future. 

The GCCM is also working on a leaflet which celebrants can hand to couples at wedding fairs and meetings, encouraging them to show their support. More on this to follow. 

Act Today – The Consultation Is Just Weeks Away!

With the public consultation on wedding law reform set to take place in early 2026, time is of the essence. We need to get this paper in front of as many MPs and couples as possible before the consultation launches. 

Writing to your MP is a quick and easy process, so why not grab a cuppa, download the paper and get in touch right now?