I believe it is right for couples to have the choice of a religious or secular marriage ceremony, as they can under marriage law in England and Wales. However, the implications of changing marriage law and getting it wrong are significant so caution needs to be exercised.
I am pleased that a consultation on whether the law should be changed was undertaken last year. The Government carefully considered the full range of responses and the complex issues associated with any option for change all of which would have implications for marriage solemnisation more broadly.
It is necessary to consider carefully the legal and technical requirements of marriage ceremonies and registration before or at the same time as making a decision on whether to take forward the specific proposal to permit legally valid marriage ceremonies for those with non-religious beliefs.
The Law Commission is undertaking a broader review of the law concerning marriage ceremonies. An independent review will examine all the issues arising from the consultation alongside all other relevant matters. The Commission is due to report this month and the Government will then consider the next steps very carefully.
