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Night-time weddings to be allowed Night-time weddings to be allowed
(2 months later)
 
Night-time weddings will be able to take place in future under plans outlined by the government.Night-time weddings will be able to take place in future under plans outlined by the government.
The changes allowing marriages to take place 24 hours a day in England and Wales are part of the Protection Of Freedoms Bill. They will also apply to civil partnerships.The changes allowing marriages to take place 24 hours a day in England and Wales are part of the Protection Of Freedoms Bill. They will also apply to civil partnerships.
Currently couples can only wed between 0800 and 1800 under rules dating back to the Marriage Act 1836.Currently couples can only wed between 0800 and 1800 under rules dating back to the Marriage Act 1836.
The move comes after suggestions to a government consultation.The move comes after suggestions to a government consultation.
There are no restriction on the hours of weddings in Scotland and any change in the 0800-1800 timing for Northern Ireland would need to be brought in by the devolved administration.There are no restriction on the hours of weddings in Scotland and any change in the 0800-1800 timing for Northern Ireland would need to be brought in by the devolved administration.
The Church of England says a relaxation in the times of church weddings would require a change to Canon Law from the General Synod, which meets twice a year. And the Catholic Church has reportedly said it would not conduct late night ceremonies.The Church of England says a relaxation in the times of church weddings would require a change to Canon Law from the General Synod, which meets twice a year. And the Catholic Church has reportedly said it would not conduct late night ceremonies.
But the changes are expected to boost the demand for evening civil wedding ceremonies, especially in the summer months.But the changes are expected to boost the demand for evening civil wedding ceremonies, especially in the summer months.
In 2002, rules were amended to allow ceremonies to take place at sites other than churches, registry offices or specially-licensed venues.In 2002, rules were amended to allow ceremonies to take place at sites other than churches, registry offices or specially-licensed venues.
Since then the likes of Blackpool Tower, Tower Bridge and race courses have hosted civil weddings.Since then the likes of Blackpool Tower, Tower Bridge and race courses have hosted civil weddings.
However, there will be no prospect of spur of the moment marriages at Las Vegas-style chapels where in the past some couples have wed after a night of heavy drinking - at least 15 days advance notice will still be required.However, there will be no prospect of spur of the moment marriages at Las Vegas-style chapels where in the past some couples have wed after a night of heavy drinking - at least 15 days advance notice will still be required.


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It matters to those who will be called upon to conduct such ceremonies. My day is long enough already. The church of England is not the only church in England - Non-Conformists do not need a Synod decision to say when they can perform marriages. A point to ponder - It hasn't always been a religious ceremony either, there's no mention of a religious ceremony in scripture, only a wedding in Cana.
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    • Glad to see that this country is moving away from bygone held traditions that are pointlessly restricting the way people live their lives. If you disagree with a night wedding you simply reject the invitation, how two individuals wish to express their commitment to each other is a personal choice of that couple. Some marry in the sun, others want the stars. Does it really matter?
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    • Why would anybody care if some people want to get married outside of the hours previously forbidden by law and some others choose to offer a service to accommodate it?Why should such a change in the law, which forces no new burden upon anyone who doesn't not care for it, provoke any negative comment at all?
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    • Once agin, this raises the question as to the role of government in marriage. Marriage started out as a religious ceremony that was hijacked by the state, many centuries ago, in order to exercise social control over the masses. It's up to the churches whether they offer weddings at different times of day, but it's absolutely right that government restrictions on marriage should be removed.
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    • What ever next all this rubbish about The Protection of Freedom Act is appalling do we need all this freedom are there no restrictions now days? The meal after a wedding used to be called the wedding breakfast now it is a dinner . I hope that the Church says no to weddings in the evenings after all this is a holy sacrament not a party!
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