Cruise Ships May Now Be Venues for Weddings in England and Wales

Due to proposed changes to the legislation, marriages could take place on cruise ships in England and Wales.

Any “safe and respectable” setting, including family homes and a wide range of outdoor locations, such gardens, parks, and beaches, would be acceptable for weddings.

The Law Commission has suggested significant changes after conducting a thorough analysis, which it claimed would result in the “largest revamp” since the 19th century.

According to the proposal, couples would have more options regarding the location and style of their weddings under a “fairer system.”

The Commission suggests a new system that would place more emphasis on regulating the marriage officiant who performs the ceremony than the venue where the wedding can be held.

It claimed that as household finances become more difficult and the “Covid backlog” of marriages continues, there is an increased public demand for solutions that are easier, more inexpensive, and more individualised.

Many of the revisions would bring the laws of England and Wales into compliance with those in other countries, such as Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Jersey, and countries further away like New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.

Family law commissioner for the Law Commission, Professor Nick Hopkins, stated: “The current law on weddings is not working for many couples. Needless restrictions and outdated regulations mean that thousands each year are denied having a wedding that is meaningful to them.

“Our reforms for government are designed to protect the established practices and dignity of weddings, while offering couples more choice on where and how they marry.”

The Law Commission is a nonpartisan, independent agency that was established by Parliament in 1965 to evaluate all of England and Wales’ laws and suggest reforms as necessary.