Its one of the biggest shake-up to wedding law in almost 200 years about to change the way we get married?

In this episode of I Do & Updos, we’re diving into one of the biggest conversations currently happening in the UK wedding industry: wedding law reform.

Because let's be honest… wedding law probably isn't something most couples think about when they're planning their dream day. You’re thinking about the dress, the venue, the flowers, the photographer, the hair, the food and whether Great Aunt Susan is actually going to RSVP.
But behind all of that is a set of wedding laws that are, in many ways, rooted in the 19th century.
And now, that could be about to change.

The Government launched a consultation in July 2026 setting out proposals to reform weddings law in England and Wales, following the Law Commission's recommendations for a simpler and more flexible system.

✨ So, what could actually change?

In this episode, we're breaking down what the proposed reforms could mean for real couples planning real weddings.

We're chatting about:

💍 Could you legally get married almost anywhere?
The proposed reforms would move away from the current system, which is heavily focused on approved buildings, towards one focused on the officiant responsible for the ceremony. This could open up a much wider range of locations, subject to rules around safety, dignity and suitability.

🌿 Dreaming of an outdoor wedding?
Think gardens, beaches, forests, private land and other locations that currently can't host a legally binding ceremony in the way couples might want.

🥂 Could your wedding ceremony finally look and feel like YOUR wedding?
The reforms aim to give couples greater choice and flexibility around their ceremony while maintaining safeguards around the legal process.

🎤 What about celebrants?
One of the biggest proposed changes is the move towards regulating the person conducting the ceremony rather than simply the building. That could have huge implications for celebrants, venues and the wider wedding industry.

❤️ What about humanist weddings?
The proposals include legal recognition for humanist marriages in England and Wales — something that could be a major change for couples who want a non-religious ceremony that is also legally binding.

🕌 What about religious ceremonies?
The reforms also aim to address the current position where some religious ceremonies may not themselves provide legal recognition, with proposals intended to make the system clearer and more inclusive.

👀 But here's the important bit…

These are proposals -they're not the law yet.

The Government is currently consulting on the reforms, so there is still an opportunity for couples, wedding professionals and the wider public to have their say.

And that's exactly why we think this conversation matters.

Because if you're getting married in 2027, 2028, 2029 or beyond, the wedding you're planning could take place under a very different legal framework.

So we're asking:
If the law changes… what do you think it should look like?

🎧 Grab a cuppa, settle in and join us for a proper chat about the future of weddings.

Because wedding law might sound boring…

but it could completely change the way we get married.

💬 HAVE YOUR SAY

The Government consultation is an opportunity for people to share their views on the proposed reforms.

So after listening, we want to know:

What do YOU think?

Head to our socials and tell us what you'd change about wedding law.

👇 Comment your dream legal wedding location below.

And don't forget to follow, subscribe and share I Do & Updos with your engaged bestie.

Because the future of weddings could be about to get very interesting. 💍✨

This episode discusses proposed changes to weddings law in England and Wales. The proposals are subject to consultation and may change before any legislation is introduced.

ANSWER THE CONSULTATION HERE:

https://consult.justice.gov.uk/family-justice/reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales/

Hey babes! Send us a message here to get in touch with the show! Laura & Katie x

We'd like to say a big thanks once again to producer Vickey from VS voices and Visuals for hosting us and to Samuel Legge Photography for our branding photos! Produced by  VS Voices and Visuals

Website – https://www.voicesandvisuals.co.uk

Samuel Legge Photography:

https://www.samuellleggephotography.com/