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Green leader says expected appointment shows new PM ‘won’t challenge the power of the bankers, or tax their wealth’Couples could legally marry in forests, on beaches, at sea or in
By The Guardian
Couples in England and Wales could soon legally marry in forests, beaches, at sea or in their own gardens under new government proposals. The Ministry of Justice has announced a consultation covering marriage rules in England and Wales that runs from Thursday until 24 September .
The plans would shift licensing from venues to celebrants, allowing marriages to take place in any location rather than only at currently licensed sites . Under the proposals, unconventional locations including castles, canal boats and cruise ships could become legal venues for marriages .
Marrying in a back garden would also become permitted, though the MoJ said safeguards would include a two-stage process with in-person interviews to prevent forced, predatory or sham marriages . The government said the changes could cut wedding costs and mean couples no longer need to hold two separate ceremonies to satisfy both personal beliefs and legal requirements .
The average wedding in England is estimated to cost more than £20,000, with venue hire typically accounting for around £6,000 before catering . The current system forces some couples to hold one ceremony reflecting their beliefs and another to make the marriage legally valid .