Petition · past parliament

Change marriage law in England/Wales from registered buildings to celebrants.

Closed 287 signatures

What the petition asks

The Scots system of registered celebrants is very much simpler than the English and Welsh system of registered buildings, and it also affords greater flexibility to couples.
Currently in England and Wales couples must choose either a religious service in a church, or a wholly secular service in secular building, where they are not allowed anything even vaguely religious including music. Under the Scots system couples can choose any venue in which a celebrant is willing to conduct a marriage service, and a religious or civil ceremony. This means that couples can choose a religious ceremony in a greater choice of venues, and administration is simpler (and probably cheaper).

Timeline

3 Nov 2017 Petition opened for signatures
3 May 2018 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 287
Status Closed
Opened 3 Nov 2017
Closed 3 May 2018

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.