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New Laws Could Allow Couples To Tie The Knot In McDonald's Or The Pub

New Laws Could Allow Couples To Tie The Knot In McDonald's Or The Pub

The Marriage Foundation think tank argues that many people are being put off from getting married as the cost of weddings continues to rise

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Campaigners are fighting for changes to the law that would help people get married where they choose, amid concerns that people on lower incomes cannot afford to host a wedding.

Such reforms would mean the marriage process is 'opened up', so that couples can opt for low-cost alternatives to the big white wedding - yep, even your local McDonald's or favourite pub.

The Marriage Foundation think tank argues that many people are being put off from getting married as the cost of weddings continues to rise, and supports proposals to allow people to get married wherever they choose.

These proposals would see restrictive, outdated laws developed in 1836 scrapped, so that people could opt for beaches, parks, private gardens and more.

And the idea now comes one step further to becoming reality, as a Law Commission consultation on these proposals closes today (Monday 4 January).

Sir Paul Coleridge, founder of The Marriage Foundation, said: "The Law Commission's exciting, new proposed reforms will relax many of the restrictions and open up the process so that couples can design their own wedding and tie the knot wherever they choose whether in their local church or local pub, a castle, a field or even in McDonald's.

"We hope and believe that this will re-democratise marriage and weddings and usher in a new era of simpler, pared back ceremonies so that marriage will once again be for all."

Wedding breakfast?
PA

The Marriage Foundation argues that the 'marriage gap' between rich and poor has doubled in the last three decades.

In 1988, 68 percent of new parents from lower income groups in England and Wales were married, while in higher income groups, 91 percent were married.

But now, just 35 percent of lower income parents have wed, compared to 76 percent of wealthier couples.

Marriage Foundation

Coleridge, a former High Court judge, continued: "For far too long the perception has been growing that marriage is an out-of-date social arrangement reserved for the better off who can afford a lavish wedding and reception.

"Historically this was never so. As recently as only fifty years ago everyone wanted to get married, and they normally did, whatever their financial position.

"This was hugely to the advantage of society who reaped the benefit in far lower rates of family breakdown."

PA

He added: "The benefits of marriage derive from the mutual, binding public commitment that the couple make to each other in front of their family and friends. This sweeps away ambiguity and provides them with the best available emotional satisfaction and legal protection for themselves and their children.

"Sadly, unrealistic expectations created by glossy magazines and far-fetched social media postings have increasingly put off those on low incomes. For too many, the idea of marrying has meant primarily a huge and overly expensive reception which misses the real point of the marriage.

"So, our message is clear, keep it simple and never let the cost of a wedding be a barrier to marriage."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, News