Adopt Scotland’s wedding model in England & Wales
England & Wales still limit legal weddings to licensed venues or registrars. Scotland licenses celebrants, so couples can marry at meaningful locations. We want the same: authorise trained independent celebrants and allow legal weddings anywhere safe, fair, and dignified. Boosting local economies.
Signatures
8
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 8/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 8/100,000
- 03 OCT 2025Petition rejectedalready-happening
On 2 October 2025, the Ministry of Justice announced reforms to marriage law: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-boost-to-economy-through-wedding-law-reform
- 17 SEPT 2025Petition created
Background
Adopt Scotland’s officiant-based model. Let couples marry where their love has meaning—homes, gardens, hospices, community spaces—while keeping safeguards: notice, ID checks, two witnesses, and records. Licensing celebrants (trained, insured) cuts red tape, lowers costs, widens access, and drives spend across local venues, hospitality and creative suppliers, supporting the visitor economy year-round. It helps rural and urban areas alike, encouraging midweek weddings and sustainable growth.