Couples to get wider choice of wedding venues

24/04/2008

A proposed reform that would give couples a much wider choice of where to marry was put before a select parliamentary committee this week.

As it stands, Church of England (Anglican) weddings require either the bride or the groom to reside in the parish of the proposed church venue or have attended services at the church for the last six months.

Under the new proposed rules, the betrothed couple will also be able to marry where either lived for at least six months continuously, in the parish where either was confirmed or baptised, or where their parents lived, married or attended church, or where their grandparents were married.

The proposed reform has the backing of church leaders who would like to see it become enacted by the end of this coming summer. There is a fear from some clergy that many of the ‘ugly duckling’ churches and parishes will see a decline in weddings, as more couple will opt for the more picturesque locations.

However, the overall aim is to increase the number marriages, which is currently at an all-time low since 1895.