Outdoor Civil weddings and partnerships now allowed across England and Wales

Civil and partnership ceremonies can now take place outdoors for the first time in England and Wales. Currently, the law restricts these ceremonies to rooms and halls within approved premises such as hotels and other permanent structures.

But from July 01, they can take place outside but on the premises of these venues, allowing for more guests. The 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 helping venues to meet demand for larger ceremonies.

The issue is one of many changes proposed by the Law Commission last year. Government says it intends extending this change in law to religious marriages as well to enable couples to hold these ceremonies outside.

A boost for wedding industry

According to the government, this change would see some 75% of non-religious weddings and civil partnerships celebrated in outdoor ceremonies albeit on approved premises. It is also expected to benefit the wedding industry which was particularly hit by COVID-related restrictions over the past year.

This law change — to be introduced through a statutory instrument thus requiring no vote — is coming at a time when the 30-person cap on weddings in England is being lifted.

Moving forward, venue managers would have to limit numbers based on available spaces, taking into account social distancing measures including the wearing of face masks indoors.