Q.I was under the impression that weddings can be held just about
anywhere in the UK now. So long as an official registrar is present.
I am looking to tie the knot in a country park or somewhere similiar
(if permission is granted).
Please can you tell me if this (according to law) is possible?
.
A1.Unfortunately, it is not legal in
England, Wales or Northern Ireland at the moment I'm afraid. You
can only marry in a church, or in a room that has been legally
licensed by the local authority. These days that can mean a stately
home, a permanently moored boat, a fixed three-sided roofed gazebo
or even a cave - so choice is not lacking! Scotland has always
been different - you can marry anywhere a minister deems suitable.
If you want a Scottish civil wedding, the registrars are also
starting to implement a system like England's with licensed venues.
What I am sure you are thinking of is the Government's
White Paper which proposes just what you are suggesting... but
not yet. The matter hasn't even been debated in parliament yet,
so expect it to be a few years before any changes come into effect,
but when it does, couples would be able to marry practically anywhere
they like, so long as the celebrant made sure that the venue was
safe, appropriate and open to the public (no bungee jumping or
sky diving, I'm afraid!).
(Answered
by Helen Hitchcock)
A2. According to the law at present,
the place where you are to be married has to be licensed. This
may limit your choice of venue. However in your search for a countryside
setting you will find that many manor houses have parts of their
gardens licensed for marriages.
For instance Shuttleworth, Bedfordshire have a Swiss
Garden set amongst acres of manicured parkland. A stunning place
to be married. (See our web site for information). (Answered
by Adeline St-John)
A3. In Scotland, you can marry anywhere at all (indoors, outdoors,
in a hot air balloon!) as long as the ceremony is conducted by
a Minister and is a religious ceremony (usually Church of Scotland)
If you wanted a civil ceremony conducted by a registrar, you must
marry at a licensed venue. There is much more freedom in Scotland
to marry wherever you choose, and if you can be tempted north
then check out my web site for ideas
(Answered by Suzie Gillespie)