Love is in the air…

Here’s some positive news for outdoor wedding ceremonies

Did you know that from 6th April 2022, couples will have much more choice in how they celebrate their special day? During the Covid Pandemic temporary measures were introduced in Summer 2021 to allow ceremonies for civil weddings and partnerships to take place outdoors. A Government Consultation has found that 96% of people supported the permanent legalisation of outdoor Civil Wedding Ceremonies and the new Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 comes into force on 6thApril which will provide much more choice and flexibility for couples.

Previously, civil ceremonies at a Licensed wedding venue were required by law to take place indoors or within a permanent outdoor structure in the grounds of an Approved Premises - but now couples will be able to enjoy their entire ceremony outside, offering greater choice and flexibility. We believe this change should also boost the recovery of the wedding industry sector which sadly saw so many ‘Big Days’ postponed during the Pandemic. We are delighted to support this change which will offer the wedding industry as a whole the certainty they need to invest in their services and locations once the temporary legislation comes to an end in April.

Reforms to religious ceremonies are expected to follow too, as the consultation also showed that every major faith group supported the change. The Justice Minister commented ‘a wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life and it is right that couples should have greater choice in how they celebrate their special occasion’. The Government is expected to introduce a Legislative Review Order to allow for outdoor religious weddings – a change that will require amendment to primary legislation.

Here at Little Green Wedding Barn we wholeheartedly agree with the changes proposed and look forward to our couples having greater location freedom. After all, our venue really lends itself to hosting amazing outdoor weddings so it’s exciting to think that the whole ceremony can take place outside - hooray!