Blackpool South MP Chris Webb backs government proposals to reform wedding laws in England and Wales
“Marriage should be about love, not restrictions.”
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has backed government proposals to overhaul weddings law in England and Wales, saying the reforms would make marriage more accessible, affordable and meaningful for couples.
The government has launched a public consultation on plans to modernise wedding law, following the Law Commission's 2022 report on the issue and its announcement in October 2025 that it intended to introduce the biggest changes to the system in almost 200 years.
The proposals aim to strengthen the institution of marriage by making the process of getting married simpler, clearer and more accessible. They also seek views from the public, as well as parliamentarians, religious and non-religious belief organisations, academics, independent celebrants, support organisations and local registration services.
Among the proposed changes are measures that could allow couples to legally marry in a much wider range of locations from 2027, rather than being restricted to licensed venues.
Chris Webb welcomed the plans, saying: “Did you know the average UK wedding now costs nearly £22,000? For many couples, that price tag is putting marriage out of reach – over half of unmarried men and a third of unmarried women say cost is one of the reasons they haven't tied the knot.
"That's why the government is bringing in the biggest overhaul of wedding law in almost 200 years. From 2027, couples could say ‘I do’ on Blackpool beach, in their back garden, or in their local pub – without needing a venue with a costly marriage licence.
“With over 1 in 5 couples in Britain being interfaith, the reforms will also let couples have one legally recognised ceremony reflecting both of their faiths and traditions. And there'll be stronger protections against forced marriage built in too.
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“I married my wife Portia in 2019, and it was one of the most important days of our lives. Marriage should be about love, not restrictions, and everyone deserves the chance to celebrate it in a way that means something to them.”
The consultation is now open, with the government inviting feedback on the proposed reforms before any legislative changes are introduced.
The government wants to hear your views – the consultation is open now until 24th September. Have you say here https://consult.justice.gov.uk/family-justice/reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales/