Marriage is available in England and Wales to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples and is legally recognised in the forms of both civil and religious marriage. Marriage laws have historically evolved separately from marriage laws in other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom. There is a distinction between religious marriages, conducted by an authorised religious celebrant, and civil marriages, conducted by a state registrar. The legal minimum age to enter into a marriage in England and Wales is 18 since 27 February 2023.[1] Previously the minimum age of marriage was 16, with parental permission (Age of Marriage Act 1929). This also applies to civil partnerships.[1]
Certain relatives are not allowed to marry.[2] For foreign nationals, there are also residency conditions that have to be met before people can be married. Same-sex marriage was introduced under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act in March 2014.[3][4]
The law regarding weddings in England and Wales was reviewed by the Law Commission. In July 2022, the Commission released its final report finding these laws confusing and outdated, and calling for a complete revision. The Commission noted, "the recommendations represent a comprehensive overhaul to current weddings law, the key parts of which date back to 1836 or even earlier."[5]
Matters regarding divorce are resolved under English family law through the Family Justice System of England and Wales.
- ^ a b "Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, 2022 c. 28, brought into force by "The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 (Commencement and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 2023/88
- ^ "Marriage Act 1949". legislation.gov.uk. sections 1, 2, 3 and 78 as amended. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ Department for Culture, Media & Sport, United Kingdom. "First Same Sex weddings to happen from 29 March 2014". HM Government. Retrieved 28 January 2014.
- ^ "Registration opens for first same-sex marriages". BBC News. 13 March 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
- ^ "Outdated weddings laws to be overhauled under new reforms". Law Commission. 18 July 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
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