Changing rules on weddings will 'trivialise' marriage bond - Christian Institute

 (Photo: Unsplash)

The Christian Institute has rejected calls to relax the rules on where people can get married. 

The Law Commission has said couples should be given "more freedom" when it comes to the venue and what form the wedding will take. 

It called current laws governing how and where couples can marry "outdated and unnecessarily restrictive".

At present, in order to legally marry, most couples must have their weddings in a registered building - either a place of worship or a licensed secular venue. They cannot marry outdoors, even in the garden of a licensed venue.

The Law Commission, which is consulting on the proposals, said the changes would make weddings "simpler" and "less expensive". 

Simon Calvert, of The Christian Institute, disagrees with the proposals.  He thinks the changes, if introduced, will lead to "trivial wedding ceremonies".

"The experience of the USA shows that 'anything goes' wedding ceremonies trivialise the marriage bond. We've all seen photos of novelty celebrity weddings splashed across our news feeds, only for the marriage to break down a few months later," he told the Express. 

"Wedding vows are the most important promises two people can make to each other. There is already huge freedom to add to your vows, but there are a couple of phrases required by law to ensure the commitment is genuine and legally valid.

"Surely it's not too much to require people to formally express their intention to marry in words everyone recognises?"

News
Petition calls for end to disciplinary action against Jennifer Melle
Petition calls for end to disciplinary action against Jennifer Melle

There are concerns Melle could lose her job.

UK Christian and Gospel music set for official singles chart launch
UK Christian and Gospel music set for official singles chart launch

The UK’s Christian and Gospel music scene is set to receive a major boost with the announcement of a new official singles chart, developed in partnership between AStepFWD and The Official Charts Company.

More Protestant churches closed than opened in the US in 2024, new analysis finds
More Protestant churches closed than opened in the US in 2024, new analysis finds

The closures have served to highlight the importance of church planting, say researchers.

Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit: gentleness that reflects God’s strength
Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit: gentleness that reflects God’s strength

To be gentle is often equated with being passive, fragile, or easily overlooked - a liability rather than a virtue. But the Kingdom of God operates by an entirely different framework.