…The Government stresses that the \u201cpermanence\u201d of marriage will be strengthened by enabling more questioning of candidates ahead of their weddings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMany couples have a religious-only wedding that reflects their faith and traditions, followed by a separate legal ceremony \u2014 or no legal ceremony at all. Research shows around two thirds of women who had a religious-only Muslim<\/a> wedding did not also have a separate legal ceremony,\u201d the consultation document says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo protect against forced, predatory and sham marriages, couples must complete a two-stage process, including in-person interview, to verify their identity and demonstrate eligibility to marry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anglican banns of marriage would continue \u201cas an important part of the established Church\u201d, the document says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> Couples will be able to marry almost anywhere, including forests, beaches, cruise ships at sea, canal boats, and at home, under Government proposals that \u201cshift the focus from bricks and mortar to people and promises\u201d. https:\/\/t.co\/1C2vRDXkpE<\/a><\/p>— Church Times (@ChurchTimes) July 17, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>