A leading celebrant trainer from Yorkshire has played a part in the government’s latest efforts to update marriage legislation after taking part in the launch of a national consultation that could transform how couples marry in England and Wales.
STUART MORRIS, 58, from Malham, North Yorkshire, founded The International College of Professional Celebrants (ICPC), now recognised as the world’s largest training organisation for wedding and funeral celebrants. He joined Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy aboard a boat on the Thames on 16 July, where he hosted a discussion during the launch of proposals described as the biggest review of marriage law in nearly 200 years.
Speaking after the event, Stuart said the current legislation no longer reflects modern society.
“The rules we use today have developed over hundreds of years and simply haven’t kept pace with how couples want to celebrate marriage.”
His contribution follows years of involvement with the Ministry of Justice through the Wedding Celebrancy Commission, which he helped establish and continues to serve as an executive board member. The Commission has worked alongside ministers, including Baroness Levitt, to examine options for reform.
Independent research funded by the Commission and carried out by the Open University explored what couples want from legal wedding ceremonies while also looking at countries such as Australia, where independent celebrants have legally conducted marriages for decades. That work influenced the Law Commission’s recommendations published in 2022.
Stuart said: “A marriage performed in Las Vegas is legally recognised when a British couple comes home, yet those same people cannot legally marry with an independent celebrant in a family garden or countryside venue here in England. Couples should have greater freedom over who conducts their ceremony and where it takes place.”
He continued: “People from different faith backgrounds, same-sex couples and those without religious connections are often left with limited options. The current system prioritises legal procedure over personal choice. These proposals could finally bring the law into line with modern expectations.”
“I’ve spent thirty years helping people mark life’s most important milestones with care and compassion. Every couple deserves the opportunity to celebrate their commitment in a way that feels authentic to them.”
The government’s consultation aims to expand venue options, reduce unnecessary costs and strengthen the wedding sector while preserving the significance of marriage. Each year, around 470,000 couples marry under laws that have changed very little over generations.
The proposed reforms would allow legal weddings in many more locations, including forests, beaches, castles, canal boats and cruise ships. Ministers also believe greater flexibility could help reduce costs, with today’s average wedding exceeding ÂŁ20,000 and venue hire accounting for around ÂŁ6,000 before catering.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said:
“They say you can’t put a price on love, but too often the cost of weddings puts this commitment out of reach. That’s why I’m reforming archaic rules so couples have more freedom to say ‘I do’ on their own terms while strengthening safeguards to protect the meaning and permanence of marriage.”
The consultation also includes proposals to create a fairer legal framework for ceremonies across different faiths and belief systems, giving more couples the opportunity to combine traditions within one legally recognised ceremony.
Through ICPC, Stuart trains celebrants who conduct ceremonies attended by more than one million people every year across the UK. The organisation also has around 50 per cent more active members than any other celebrancy training provider.
His latest book, Hello, I Love You, Goodbye, explores the significance of ceremonies throughout life, with the first four chapters now available at hilyg.uk.
The public consultation is now open at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tying-the-knot-reforming-weddings-law-in-england-and-wales. The consultation will run from July 16 to September 24, lasting 10 weeks.
